In a significant legislative development, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following an exhaustive 11-hour debate. The bill was approved with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, reflecting a deeply divided house on the contentious issue.
Introduced by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the bill aims to reform the management and administration of Waqf properties across India. Key provisions include enhanced transparency through a centralized digital portal, stricter regulations on Waqf property registration, and measures to protect individual property rights. The government has positioned the bill as a step toward inclusivity and accountability, while also addressing long-standing disputes over Waqf properties.
However, the opposition has strongly criticized the bill, labeling it “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional.” Congress leader Sonia Gandhi called it a “brazen assault on the Constitution,” while Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi tore a copy of the bill in protest, accusing the government of targeting minority communities.
Defending the legislation, Rijiju stated, “This bill is a historic reform that will benefit the minority community by ensuring transparency and better management of Waqf properties.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the passage of the bill as a “watershed moment” for socio-economic justice.
The bill now moves to the Rajya Sabha for further consideration. Its passage has sparked widespread debate, with both supporters and critics closely watching its potential impact on India’s socio-political landscape.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
