Bengaluru, Karnataka: The political air in Karnataka is buzzing as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched an overnight protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Led by state president BY Vijayendra, the demonstration targets the Congress-led government’s recent price hikes and its controversial decision to introduce a 4% reservation for Muslims in government contracts. With emotions running high, this protest marks a bold stand against what the BJP calls a “burden on the people.”

The protest kicked off at 11 a.m. and stretched into the night, with Vijayendra slamming the Siddaramaiah government for making life tougher for everyday citizens. He pointed to the recent Rs 4 increase in Nandini milk prices—now the third hike since Congress took charge—as an “Ugadi gift” that’s left families struggling. “This government promised relief but delivered only rising costs,” Vijayendra said, vowing to keep the pressure on until the hikes are rolled back.

A Fight Against Rising Costs and Policy Shifts

The BJP isn’t stopping at milk prices. Vijayendra accused the government of jacking up water tariffs, petrol costs, and more, hitting the poor and farmers the hardest. He also took aim at the 4% quota for Muslims in public contracts, labeling it “unconstitutional” and a move that sidelines other backward classes like SCs, STs, and OBCs. “This isn’t about fairness—it’s about appeasement politics,” he argued, promising a statewide awareness campaign starting April 10 to rally public support.

The protest saw a strong turnout, with BJP MLAs, MLCs, former legislators, and district leaders joining in. Vijayendra stressed that this is just the beginning, with plans for demonstrations across all district centers on April 4 and taluk-level protests on April 5. “We’re here to fight for the people, not just make noise,” he added, urging the government to rethink its policies.

A Divided Response

While the BJP rallies its base, the Congress government defends its actions. The milk price hike, they say, supports dairy farmers by covering rising production costs, with Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) Chairman Bheema Naik noting that prices here are still lower than in states like Gujarat or Delhi. On the Muslim quota, the government insists it’s based on socio-economic backwardness, not religion, aligning with long-standing policies under previous administrations.

Yet, the BJP remains unconvinced, accusing Congress of playing the minority card to win votes. The tension spilled into the streets of Bengaluru, with protesters chanting slogans and holding signs, creating a lively yet tense atmosphere. Police kept a close watch, ensuring the demonstration stayed peaceful as traffic flowed nearby and shops stayed open.

What’s Next for Karnataka?

This overnight protest is more than a one-night stand—it’s a signal of bigger battles ahead. With the BJP gearing up for a statewide movement, and the Congress digging in, Karnataka’s political scene is heating up. Residents are left wondering: Will the government back down, or will this spark a longer fight? For now, the focus is on Freedom Park, where voices of dissent echo into the early morning.

Stay tuned as this story develops. Whether it’s about your grocery bill or community rights, this protest could shape Karnataka’s future. Keep checking for the latest updates on price hikes, Muslim quota debates, and more!

New Delhi: After a heated debate and a late-night vote in the Lok Sabha, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is set to take center stage in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, April 3, 2025. The bill, which stirred up quite a storm in the Lower House, passed with 288 votes in favor and 232 against after more than 12 hours of discussion that stretched into the early hours. Now, it’s the Upper House’s turn to weigh in, and people across India are watching closely.

The Lok Sabha debate kicked off Wednesday afternoon and didn’t wrap up until the clock was nearing 2 a.m. Lawmakers from all sides dug into the details, with the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) pushing hard for the bill’s passage. Alongside the Waqf Bill, the Lok Sabha also greenlit a resolution supporting President’s Rule in Manipur—a busy night, to say the least.

What’s on the Rajya Sabha Agenda?

Today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to bring the Waqf Amendment Bill to the Rajya Sabha floor. He’ll also move a resolution to confirm President’s Rule in Manipur, which was imposed on February 13, 2025, under Article 356(1) of the Constitution. The Upper House has carved out eight hours for this debate, so buckle up—it’s going to be another long one.

Meanwhile, over in the Lok Sabha, Thursday’s lineup includes the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, presented by Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. There’s also a statement from Minister Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani about pulling funds from the Contingency Fund of India to cover interest on Sovereign Guarantee Bonds for Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL). It’s a packed day for Parliament as the Budget Session nears its end on April 4.

Why the Waqf Bill Matters

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to shake up how Waqf boards—bodies that manage properties dedicated to religious and charitable causes in the Muslim community—are run. The government says it’s all about boosting transparency and efficiency, but not everyone’s on board. Opposition parties have called it “unconstitutional” and a direct attack on minority rights, sparking protests and fiery exchanges in Parliament.

After the Lok Sabha gave its nod, the bill now faces the Rajya Sabha test. With the NDA holding a strong majority in both houses, the government’s confident it’ll sail through. Still, the opposition isn’t backing down, promising to fight tooth and nail to protect what they see as a cornerstone of India’s secular fabric.

A Late-Night Victory in Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha session was anything but quiet. Opposition members slammed the government’s handling of Manipur, even as they supported the President’s Rule resolution. Amit Shah defended the Centre’s efforts, saying every step has been taken to restore peace in the troubled northeastern state. By the time the Waqf Bill vote rolled around, the tally—288 for, 232 against—showed the NDA’s numbers held strong.

For many, the bill’s passage feels like a turning point. Supporters say it’ll modernize Waqf property management, while critics fear it’s a step toward centralizing control and sidelining Muslim voices. Either way, the Rajya Sabha debate today will likely set the tone for what’s next.

What’s at Stake?

This isn’t just about a bill—it’s about trust, governance, and how India balances its diverse communities. The Waqf Amendment Bill has already sparked nationwide conversations, from political rallies to social media buzz. As it heads to the Rajya Sabha, all eyes are on how lawmakers will shape its future—and what it means for the country.

On Wednesday, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), a key ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), voiced strong support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Far from targeting any religion or community, the party insists this bill is about managing properties to improve the lives of Muslims across India.

Lok Janshakti Party’s Arun Bharti Pushes for Waqf Bill Transparency and Thorough Scrutiny

In a heated Lok Sabha debate, LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Arun Bharti championed the bill as a tool for transparency and accountability. He criticized the opposition for zooming in on the religious side of Waqf—charitable endowments created by Muslims—while ignoring its social, legal, financial, and administrative potential.

Unlike Bihar’s Janata Dal (United), which has been more reserved, the LJP has taken a thoughtful yet firm stance. Bharti pointed out that party leader and Union Minister Chirag Paswan had demanded a deep dive into the bill when it was introduced last August, urging it be sent to a parliamentary committee for review.

Opposition Accused of Fearmongering

Bharti didn’t shy away from slamming opposition parties, accusing them of scaring Muslims with claims that the government wants to snatch their religious properties. He called it a vote-bank tactic, arguing that these parties dodge the real issues—like Muslim backwardness and the poor management of Waqf properties nationwide.

To put things in perspective, he shared a jaw-dropping stat: tiny Singapore earns Rs 42 crore from its Waqf properties, while India lags at just Rs 163 crore. Bharti also nodded to countries like Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, where Waqf reforms have turned these assets into engines of progress.

A Vision for Inclusion

At its core, Bharti said, the bill is about lifting up poor and marginalized Muslims and bringing them into the national fold. He expressed dismay that Muslim clerics have attacked Chirag Paswan for supporting it, despite his family’s track record. Bharti recalled how Paswan’s father, Ram Vilas Paswan, risked his party’s survival in 2005 to back a Muslim chief minister in Bihar.

Why This Matters

The LJP (Ram Vilas) sees the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as a chance to spark fairness and growth—not division. With a people-first mindset, they’re pushing for an open, honest dialogue about how Waqf properties can better serve communities nationwide.