The Lok Sabha has approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 after an intense 12-hour debate that saw fiery exchanges between the government and opposition. The bill was passed with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, setting the stage for its introduction in the Rajya Sabha today. The government addressed opposition concerns, assuring that the bill aims to regulate and manage Waqf properties, not interfere in religious matters.
Key Highlights:
✅ 288 votes in favor, 232 against; AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi tore a copy of the bill in protest
✅ House sat beyond midnight for the crucial voting
✅ Government assured that mosques and dargahs are not at risk
✅ Bill aims to streamline Waqf property management, not violate religious rights
Fierce Debate in Lok Sabha
A charged debate erupted in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, lasting over 12 hours as opposition leaders clashed with the government over the bill’s provisions. While the government defended the bill, calling it essential for transparency and better Waqf property management, the opposition raised concerns over its impact on religious institutions.
AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi, in a dramatic protest, tore a copy of the bill, calling it an attack on Muslims. However, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju assured that the bill does not threaten religious properties but instead prevents mismanagement and unauthorized claims.
Government’s Assurance to the Muslim Community
Rejecting the opposition’s claims, Rijiju clarified that the bill does not infringe on religious rights. He assured that the new law will come into effect immediately after notification and aims to:
📌 Ensure fair and transparent management of Waqf properties
📌 Curb unauthorized claims over public and private lands
📌 Protect legitimate Waqf properties from exploitation
Opposition’s Stand: Objections Rejected
Leading the opposition charge, Congress’s Gaurav Gogoi, KC Venugopal, AIMIM’s Owaisi, and Arvind Sawant introduced amendments to the bill, all of which were rejected. In contrast, an amendment by Rijiju was accepted.
Interestingly, while NDA allies like JDU, TDP, and LJP(R) backed the bill, the Congress and Samajwadi Party softened their stance, signaling internal divisions within the opposition camp.
The Debate Extended as Lok Sabha Sat Beyond Midnight
The bill’s discussion, initially allocated eight hours, was extended twice due to the intensity of the debate. Rijiju, addressing the opposition’s concerns, stated:
🗣️ “Muslims will thank PM Narendra Modi for this reform, which ensures better management of Waqf properties.”
The Opposition’s ‘Anti-Muslim’ Allegation & Government’s Rebuttal
The opposition branded the bill “anti-Muslim”, but Rijiju countered the claim, stating that:
✔️ The bill aligns with constitutional principles and existing laws
✔️ No court has struck down Waqf laws as unconstitutional
✔️ Waqf properties remain protected, but fraudulent claims will be curbed
What’s Next? Bill Heads to Rajya Sabha
With Lok Sabha’s approval, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 will now be presented in the Rajya Sabha today. If passed, it will become law upon official notification.
The bill, named Umeed (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development), aims to bring greater accountability and efficiency in the management of Waqf properties across India.
📢 Stay tuned as the Rajya Sabha takes up the bill for debate and voting today!
