The Rajya Sabha BAC met later where it was decided to have a discussion on the bill on Thursday, by when the Lower House is expected to deliver its verdict.AIMIM member Asaduddin Owaisi, a sharp critic of the bill, told reporters that he will put forth his view during the debate to show how “unconstitutional” it is.This bill is aimed at curbing the religious freedom of Muslims, he alleged, adding that people will teach BJP’s allies like TDP and JD(U) a lesson.The BJP and the Congress are among the parties that have issued whips to their MPs, asking them to ensure their presence in the House and support their party’s official stand.While the number game is more even in the Rajya Sabha, it is still in favour of the BJP-led NDA.The Upper House is expected to take up the bill for passage after it gets the nod of the Lok Sabha.Some BJP allies, sources said, continue to push for more changes in the bill.A senior member of a BJP ally expressed hope that the saffron party will accommodate their views, stressing that some of their concerns were addressed by the Joint Committee of Parliament which scrutinised the bill.However, he emphasised that the NDA will remain united on the issue.After the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, the Church of Bharat on Tuesday extended its support to the bill, boosting the government’s efforts to dispel the bid to portray the proposed law as its alleged larger anti-minority agenda.While introducing the bill last year, the government had referred it to a joint committee of the two Houses.After the report was submitted by the panel, the Union Cabinet had approved certain changes to the original bill based on the committee’s recommendation.Rijiju said immediately after Question Hour which concludes at 12 noon, he will move the bill for consideration and passage.
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