In a significant move, the Waqf Bill has been passed in the Lok Sabha after a marathon 12-hour debate. The bill aims to change the administration of Waqf properties in India. It has stirred strong reactions from both the ruling party and the opposition. While the ruling NDA government has defended the bill as beneficial to minorities, the opposition has raised concerns, calling it “anti-Muslim.”

The Waqf Bill News is now at a crucial juncture. After the Lok Sabha passes the bill, it will face its next challenge in the Rajya Sabha. The bill has already seen heated debates and sharp exchanges in the Lok Sabha, setting the stage for what promises to be another intense discussion in the Upper House.

 

Key Highlights of the Waqf Bill Debate

The Waqf Bill, formally known as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed following a lengthy and intense 12-hour discussion. The bill focuses on improving the functioning of Waqf boards and tribunals, which manage Muslim religious and charitable properties. The proposed amendments aim to resolve the backlog of cases in Waqf tribunals and to ensure better administration of Waqf properties.

The bill was passed after the ruling party rejected all amendments proposed by opposition members. A division of votes saw 288 members voting in favor of the bill, while 232 voted against it. This vote reflects the deep divisions in the Indian Parliament over this issue.

 

Ruling Government’s Defense of the Waqf Bill

Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju was at the forefront of defending the bill. He emphasized that the bill would benefit all minorities in India. Rijiju rejected the opposition’s claims that the legislation is anti-Muslim. In his response, he said, “There is no place safer than India for minorities. We live here without any fear and with pride.” He also pointed out that the Christian community had expressed its wholehearted support for the bill, highlighting the broad-based support it enjoys among different minority groups.

Rijiju further stated that the legislation would expedite the resolution of disputes pending in Waqf tribunals. He argued that this would help in the smooth administration of Waqf properties, which have often been embroiled in legal disputes for years.

 

Amit Shah’s Stand on Vote Bank Politics

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also weighed in on the issue, asserting that the government would not use the bill to create a vote bank. He strongly rejected claims that the government intended to polarize communities. “The Modi government runs on the principle of justice and welfare for all,” Shah said.

He also addressed concerns about the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards. The bill proposes to allow non-Muslims to participate in Waqf boards, which were previously prohibited. Shah clarified that this provision was meant solely for the better administration of religious properties, not to interfere with spiritual practices.

 

Opposition’s Strong Opposition to the Bill

On the other hand, the opposition parties, including the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, strongly opposed the bill. Gaurav Gogoi, the deputy leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, accused the government of misleading Parliament. He claimed that the bill attacked the Constitution and undermined the rights of Muslims.

Akhilesh Yadav, the chief of the Samajwadi Party, linked the bill to the BJP’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He argued that the bill was designed to polarize voters and create community divisions.

One of the most dramatic moments of the debate came when Asaduddin Owaisi, the leader of the AIMIM, tore a copy of the bill in protest. This symbolic act captured the opposition’s strong disapproval of the legislation.

 

Rahul Gandhi’s Critique of the Waqf Bill

Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, also voiced his concerns about the bill. Gandhi described it as a “weapon” aimed at marginalizing Muslims and infringing on their personal laws and property rights. He went further, stating that the bill was part of a broader attempt to undermine the Constitution and target Muslim communities.

The opposition parties have vowed to continue their fight against the Waqf Bill, claiming that its passage would set a dangerous precedent for future legislation that could harm minority communities in India.

 

What’s Next for the Waqf Bill?

Now that the Waqf Bill News has passed the Lok Sabha, the focus will shift to the Rajya Sabha, where it will face further scrutiny. Given its contentious nature, the debate in the Rajya Sabha is expected to be just as intense, with members from both sides of the political spectrum likely to make strong arguments.

The bill’s future is uncertain, as the Rajya Sabha is the Upper House, and the ruling party does not have a clear majority. The vote outcome in the Rajya Sabha will determine the bill’s fate.

 

Conclusion

The passage of the Waqf Bill in the Lok Sabha marks a significant moment in Indian parliamentary history. While the bill has garnered support from the ruling government, it has also faced opposition from various political parties. The debate surrounding the bill reflects the wider political landscape and the deep divisions within the country on issues relating to minority rights and religious freedoms.

As the bill moves to the Rajya Sabha for further consideration, the political drama surrounding the Waqf Bill News is far from over. The coming days will be crucial in deciding whether the bill will become law or face further challenges in Parliament.

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