08 august 2024 : The government presented the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, facing opposition from various members of the INDIA bloc, who characterized the Bill as ‘divisive’, ‘anti-Muslim’, and ‘unconstitutional’. This proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1995 law significantly, including provisions for the representation of Muslim women on Waqf boards and the requirement for land verification prior to its designation as Waqf property. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has deemed this initiative ‘unacceptable’, while parties within the INDIA coalition have expressed their intent to resist any modifications to the Waqf Act.
In the Rajya Sabha, opposition members staged a walkout after the Chair denied their request to discuss the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat in the Olympics. Union Minister JP Nadda addressed the matter in the Rajya Sabha, stating, “The entire nation stands with Vinesh Phogat… Unfortunately, we are creating a divide between the ruling party and the opposition.”
The previous day, members of the INDIA bloc had also walked out of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha concerning the Vinesh Phogat issue. This occurred following Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s remarks in the Lok Sabha regarding the wrestler’s disqualification from the finals in the 50-kg female category at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Mandaviya noted that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has lodged a complaint with United World Wrestling on this issue, and that IOA chairperson PT Usha has been instructed by the Prime Minister to take appropriate action.