Key BJP allies set to vote in favour of bill

IN THE LOK SABHA, THE BJP NEEDS A SIMPLE MAJORITY OF 272 VOTES FOR THE WAQF BILL TO PASS. IN THE RAJYA SABHA, THE PARTY WILL NEED THE SUPPORT OF 119 LAWMAKERS

- HT Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is confident of the support of key allies such as the Janata Dal (United), the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), whose backing is crucial for the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill to clear Parliament, senior leaders said on Tuesday.

The BJP has issued a whip to its members to be present in the Lok Sabha when it is taken up for discussion at noon on Wednesday. The JD(U) has also issued a whip to its members to remain present in the House and has clarified that it supports the bill, which seeks to bring sweeping changes to how waqf properties are regulated. The TDP, too, has issued a whip stating that it supports the bill.