Live Updates: Waqf Bill Not About Interest Of One Party But Nation, Says JP Nadda

#WATCH | #WaqfAmendmentBill | Former PM and JD(S) chief H.D. Devegowda says, “I must congratulate the PM. Why? The property, which has been mentioned, is about Rs 1.2 lakh crores. These properties have not been given by the Govt but by donors…If the donors have given and it has… pic.twitter.com/bYTidUaLPW

— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2025

In a post on X, Biju Janata Dal lawmaker Sasmit Patra said party MPs have been directed to “exercise their conscience” while voting for the Waqf Bill in the Rajya Sabha.

BJD lawmaker Sasmit Patra tweets, “…Our Party has entrusted our Members in the Rajya Sabha with the responsibility of exercising their conscience in the best interest of justice, harmony and the rights of all communities, should the Bill come up for voting. There is no Party Whip.”

The Biju Janata Dal has always upheld the principles of secularism and inclusivity, ensuring the rights of all communities. We deeply respect the diverse sentiments expressed by different sections of the Minority communities regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Our Party,…

— ଡ଼ଃ ସସ୍ମିତ ପାତ୍ର I Dr. Sasmit Patra (@sasmitpatra) April 3, 2025

The Waqf Amendment Bill is going to put an end to corruption that is eating into our country as termites, actor-politician Kangana Ranaut told reporters outside parliament today. The core message of the Waqf Amendment Bill was the affirmation that no individual, institution, or religious organization is above the law, she added. 

Ms Ranaut, the MP from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, applauded the proposed law — which seeks to improve the management and administration of Waqf properties in India — and said no person or organisation is bigger than the law or constitution.

“No person, no organisation, even a religious organisation, is larger than the law,” she told reporters. “They are not above the law or the constitution. That is the bottom line of this bill. It is our good fortune that corruption which was eating into our country like termites, is now over,” she added.  

On the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary said: “This is absolutely not unconstitutional. It went to the Joint Parliamentary Committee, where many members of the Congress were present, and their suggestions were also included in it… just because the Opposition has nothing to say, they are calling it unconstitutional. They should present arguments on how it is unconstitutional?… The way they are trying to mislead the country is wrong…”

#WATCH | Delhi: On the Waqf Amendment Bill, LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary says, “This is absolutely not unconstitutional. It went to the JPC, where many members of the Congress party were present, and their suggestions were also included in it… just because the… pic.twitter.com/gkG71JPWtN

— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2025

The decision of secular parties like Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party and Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal United to support the contentious Waqf Amendment Bill has raised eyebrows in political circles. But at the bottom of it was BJP’s efforts to secure support on contentious issues from coalition partners, sources said.

Traditionally, the TDP and the JD(U) – heavily dependent on Muslim support — have taken a stance at variance from the BJP on issues concerning Muslims, especially on matters like the Uniform Civil Code. But behind-the-scenes discussions have led the BJP to convince these parties to support the bill, sources said. Click here to read more.

Taking a dig at the Congress over the protests with copies of the Constitution, Mr Nadda said in the House: “The Congress keeps the Constitution in their pockets. We are the real protectors of Constitution.” 

Continuing his speech in the Upper House, Mr Nadda stressed the need to see beyond votebank politics. “We believe in real service and not lip service. A Muslim country like Turkey also revamped the Waqf law and brought all properties under the government in 1924. Malaysia too regulates the Waqf properties. Even in Iran, the Waqf properties are under the government. Am saying this to show that if Muslim-dominated nations can create transparency, then what is the problem if we decide to do the same here?”

Union Health Minister JP Nadda attacked the Opposition for trying to “sensationalise the matter and deviate from the issue” pertaining to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. “I want to ask if the objective of the discussion is to consider a party’s interest or nation’s interest. I think the bill is in the interest of the country,” he said, as he joined the debate on the proposed legislation in the Upper House.

Participating in the debate on the Waqf bill in the Rajya Sabha, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said: “The way you (government) brought this bill, you tried to mislead the people. Whenever key issues come up, you raise religious issues. You are talking about poor Muslims. Since when have you started worrying about them? You are the ones who call them thief, accuse them of stealing mangalsutras; you ask people not to buy mutton from Muslim shops. Now, you have suddenly started worrying about their property and trying to safeguard them.” 

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray claimed the Union government has its eye on the land of the Waqf boards, and it may turn its attention to the land of temples, churches and gurudwaras next.

“The concern about the Muslim community shown by the BJP and its allies supporting the bill will put Pakistan founder (Muhammad Ali) Jinnah to shame,” he said.

His remarks came as the BJP and the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde sought to corner the Sena (UBT) for ‘abandoning’ Hindutva and the ideals of party founder Bal Thackeray in not supporting the Waqf (Amendment) bill.

“You are eyeing Waqf land, but temple trusts, churches, gurudwaras too have land. You may be eyeing us (lands of Hindu temples) as well. The bill was brought just for land. We have opposed this sham,” said the former Maharashtra chief minister. “If the Waqf bill is for the betterment of the Muslim community, who has abandoned Hindutva (by bringing it in),” Thackeray asked.

“What has the Waqf (Amendment) Bill to do with Hindutva? How will Hindus benefit from this?” he further said.

On the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav said: “We have strongly opposed this Bill in both Houses, but some secular parties and so-called secular leaders have been exposed. We have always fought the battle of our ideology, and this time, those who supported this Bill will face a resounding response from the people of Bihar.”

#WATCH On the Waqf Amendment Bill, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says, “We have strongly opposed this bill in both houses, but some secular parties and so-called secular leaders have been exposed. We have always fought the battle of our ideology, and this time, those who supported… pic.twitter.com/x3ZOKtxyvd

— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2025

Taking strong exception to the passage of the Waqf Bill in the Lok Sabha, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin said his party would file a case in the Supreme Court against the Bill.

Following the announcement, the opposition AIADMK expressed solidarity with ‘all steps’ taken by the DMK on the issue while the BJP members staged a walkout from the Assembly House in protest.

The Chief Minister, who came to the Assembly wearing a black badge to protest the passage of the Bill, said adopting the amendment at 2 am “at the behest of a few allies” despite the opposition of the majority parties in India, “is an attack on the structure of the Constitution.” “This is an act that disturbs religious harmony. To highlight this, we are participating in today’s Assembly proceedings wearing black badges,” he said.

“I would like to inform you that a case will be filed in the Supreme Court on behalf of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) against this controversial amendment. Tamil Nadu will fight against the Union government’s law which destroys the autonomy of the Waqf Board and threatens the minority Muslim population,” he added. 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing attack on the Waqf Board, accusing it of land encroachments and asserting that its “arbitrary claims” over public and historical sites would no longer be tolerated.

Addressing a gathering in Prayagraj, Yogi Adityanath said, “The Waqf Board had been making baseless claims over lands across cities. Even during the preparations for the Kumbh Mela, they declared that the event’s land belonged to them. We had to ask -has the Waqf Board turned into a land mafia?” He emphasised that under his government, such encroachments had been removed, and mafias had been driven out of Uttar Pradesh.

“Encroachments were made in the name of Waqf at various places, including the sacred land associated with Nishad Raj. But this will not be allowed to continue. A grand and divine Kumbh Mela was organised despite their objections,” he said.

#WATCH | Prayagraj, UP | On the #WaqfAmendmentBill passed in the Lok Sabha, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath says, “Some people did not want a ‘Pauranik’ place like Prayagraj to gain its identity because their vote bank was important for them… In the name of Waqf,… pic.twitter.com/WdfWsmQ9ry

— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2025

Participating in the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, TMC MP Nadimul Haque said: “This bill mentions a condition that a person can create Waqf only after practising Islam for a minimum of five years. I want to ask – who will issue a certificate that a person is a practising Muslim? This is unconstitutional and against Article 14.”

Speaking on Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, TMC MP Nadimul Haque says, “This bill mentions a condition that a person can create Waqf only after practising Islam for a minimum of 5 years. I want to ask – who will give a certificate that a person is a practising Muslim? This is… pic.twitter.com/zSUC4w0nnd

— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2025

Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai  slammed the government over the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a “hurried decision” made without consulting the opposition.

Rai accused the government of acting “arbitrarily and misleading the public”.

“The Waqf Bill was brought in haste. The government has done whatever it wanted without listening to the opposition. They made promises to mislead the people, but none of them have been fulfilled,” he said.

Taking a dig at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rai said, “The BJP has a majority and is doing whatever it pleases. Be it demonetisation, GST, or the Waqf Bill, the government is making decisions unilaterally, disregarding the concerns of the people.”

On Waqf Amendment Bill, J&K Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather says, “Article 25 of the Constitution provides the Right to Freedom of Religion to the people of India. I think yesterday’s Bill violates that right provided by the Constitution…”

#WATCH | Srinagar: On #WaqfAmendmentBill, J&K Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather says, “Article 25 of the Constitution provides Right to Freedom of Religion to the people of India. I think yesterday’s Bill violates that right provided by the Constitution…” pic.twitter.com/x4FtrEvFB1

— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2025

As the Rajya Sabha saw a heated debate on the Waqf Bill, Union Minister Amit Shah said the Congress is spreading misinformation.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha responded by saying that the BJP is appeasing its vote bank and wants to incite riots.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill does not intend to hurt religious feelings, while rejecting the Opposition’s charge that it is against Muslims.

The Waqf board will only oversee, not manage, Waqf properties,” he said. “The Bill aims to accomplish unfulfilled tasks of previous governments,” he said. He added that 8.72 lakh properties are under Waqf today, as compared to from 4.9 lakh in 2004.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Congress’ Rahul Gandhi questioned the Centre over the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. “What is the government doing about the tariffs imposed by our ally. the government must answer,” he said.

As the Rajya Sabha began discussions on the Waqf (Amendemnt) Bill, Leader of Opposition in The House Mallikarjun Kharge slammed Union Minister Anurag Thakur over his allegations of a scam in the Karnataka Waqf.

Asserting that there is no land grabbing in Waqf, he asked the BJP to either prove the allegations or have Thakur resign.

BJP chief JP Nadda will speak in the Rajya Sabha at 1 pm after the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is tabled in the Upper House.

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned till Friday.

The Lok Sabha has now begin a discussion on a statutory resolution on Manipur. This came even as the Opposition asked if this was the time to discuss such a key issue.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is currently speaking on the Manipur tension.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was cleared with a majority in the Lok Sabha late late on Wednesday, after an over 12-hour debate that saw a sharp exchange of views between the government and the Opposition. The Lower House passed the legislation with 288 in favour and 232 against it. 

Voting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is underway. The Opposition has asked for division of votes.

Hitting out at the Opposition, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said: “You keep accusing us of appeasement politics. Who is doing appeasement? You keep carrying a copy of the Constitution. Holding the Tricolour and Constitution is a good thing but then saying you need freedom at the same time isn’t. You have to live with the spirit of the Constitution. You say minorities are not safe in this country. Am a minority. There are six minority communities in the country. The smallest minority community is the Parsi group. You never thought about them. PM Modi introduced a scheme for them just so to ensure that they do not get reduced further. Minorities are not as safe elsewhere as they are in India.” 

#WATCH | #WaqfAmendmentBill | Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, “I want to thank all the leaders for keeping their views regarding the Bill… Some leaders are saying that the bill is unconstitutional, and I want to ask them how they… pic.twitter.com/IVI5hRfHlB

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

On demands that why a law similar to the Waqf legislation is not formulated for the Hindus, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said it already exists for the majority community. 

#WATCH | Speaking in Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju takes a jibe at AIMIM Chief Asasuddin Owaisi; says, “…AIMIM Chief Asasuddin Owaisi raised various issues and made an allegation that for the Muslims, provision is being made for the children of Muslims… pic.twitter.com/xDn7Z4xuNl

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

In the absence of sufficient time, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said he will provide a brief response to the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

“The bill is legal and constitutional. The words ‘constitutional’ and ‘unconstitutional’ should not be used lightly. The words like democracy, we should understand the meaning of these words.”

JPC Chief and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, while taking part in the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, said there is “nothing unconstitutional” about the legislation. “Asaduddin Owaisi calls the bill unconstitutional, but he has done the unconstitutional thing by tearing up the bill…I want to ask him why he tore the bill?…”

#WATCH | Delhi | Chairman of the JPC on Waqf and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal slams AIMIM Chief Asasuddin Owaisi for tearing the #WaqfAmendmentBill during his remarks in the ongoing debate in the Lok Sabha.
He says, “Asasuddin Owaisi calls the bill unconstitutional, but he has done the… pic.twitter.com/7F8p87A2Q2

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

Participating in the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi said: “The Waqf (Amendment) Bill doesn’t protect the Muslims. It is a violation of Article 26. The ruling party is non-stop saying that nothing will happen. If the amendment comes into effect, only ancient temples will be protected, not mosques.”

Without actually tearing a copy of the bill, Mr Owaisi said: “I tear this law. It is an unconstitutional law.”  

In a post on X, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a weapon aimed at marginalising Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights. This attack on the Constitution by the RSS, BJP and their allies is aimed at Muslims today but sets a precedent to target other communities in the future. The Congress party strongly opposes this legislation as it attacks the very idea of India and violates Article 25, the Right to Freedom of Religion.”

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a weapon aimed at marginalising Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights.
This attack on the Constitution by the RSS, BJP and their allies is aimed at Muslims today but sets a precedent to target other communities in the future.…

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 2, 2025

Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, also spoke in the Lok Sabha during the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. “I don’t have any enemy or friends. All I want to say is that the BJP openly shows Muslims their place. Where the Congress is concerned, they indirectly attack the Muslims in the name of secularism. I want to tell the Muslims not to get stuck between the two parties. We are beyond the vote bank. Why do Indian Muslims have to prove their loyalty? India belongs to Muslims as much as it belongs to the Hindus. I am against the Waqf Bill but the Muslims of the country should introspect on the properties of the Waqf. Aren’t the properties getting misused?” he said. 

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill sparked mixed reactions in Bhopal with sections of the Muslim community welcoming it and thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A group of Muslim men and women gathered at Rahmat Masjid in the Hathaikheda area to celebrate the bill’s introduction in Parliament. Holding placards with messages such as “We Support Waqf Bill” and “Shukriya Modi Ji”, they danced to the beats of drums.

Rahmat Masjid Committee President Mohsin-Ul-Haq told PTI that the bill was a positive step for the welfare of underprivileged Muslims.

“We held a programme in support of the Waqf bill. We support the bill as it ensures Waqf land will be used for the benefit of the poor,” he said.

Mohammed Shadab, a participant in the celebrations, echoed similar sentiments.

“Some individuals have treated Waqf properties as their assets. The poor and common Muslims have been deprived of their benefits. This bill ensures that the land serves the needy,” he said while thanking PM Modi.

“Jinnah was the reason Pakistan came, was he responsible or not. Jinnah is the reason after which Wakf board came. Jinnah was given place in Parliament. When Pakistan and India was divided, then the people who went away and vice-versa, their properties were also given away. The lands that were left behind in Pakistan, does that also come under the Waqf,” BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said.

On Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s attack on the Congress-led UPA government over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013, Congress leader PL Punia said: “The people know very well what his intentions are. Diverting attention from main issues is their main work. That is what he is trying to do. But the public knows everything very well…”

#WATCH | Delhi: On HM Amit Shah’s attack on the then Congress-led UPA govt over Wakf (Amendment) Act, 2013, Congress leader PL Punia says, “People know very well what his intentions are. Diverting attention from main issues is their main work. That is what he is trying to do. But… pic.twitter.com/iQko5YLj5s

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Arun Bharti backed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and said that the bill will benefit both Muslim community and the country.

He further reiterated party president Chirag Paswan’s commitment to uplifting Dalit Muslims, Ansari Muslims, and Pasmanda Muslims, emphasising the need for government support alongside divine blessings.

“Our President Chirag Paswan wants Dalit Muslims, Ansari Muslims, and Pasmanda Muslims to move forward. Those left out of the mainstream not only need ‘Allah ki rehmat’ but also require government’s help. During the Congress regime, many Waqf Bills were presented, but due to a lack of transparency, corruption prevailed. When Congress is in power, they talk about administrative reforms practically, but in Opposition, they use sensitive issues for political gains,” Bharti said in the Lok Sabha.

BJP MP Sambit Patra, who also participated in the Waqf debate, said: “If Muslims are secured anywhere in the world, it is India.”

Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal launched a fierce attack on the Centre, accusing it of trying to break the minorities. 

Taking a swipe at the BJP, Ms Badal said: “The party which does not have a single Muslim member (in Parliament), how is it that are remembering the Muslims today? The party which relies on polarisation, how did they remember the Muslims today, I’ve been wondering all afternoon. They speak of blessings but do not have the same in their heart. If their Bill was indeed for the welfare of the Muslims, there would have been so much praise. Twenty seven percent of the (Waqf) properties are in Uttar Pradesh, which will vote after 1.5 years. You have demolished our historic gurudwara and developed Ayodhya. Had your intention been good then you would have included a Muslim member in the Ayodhya committee. You are breaking every minority. You are the Tukde Tukde gang.” 

Participating in the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya said: “The concept of Section 40 – Waqf by User and Oral Waqf was a potent cocktail that enabled the Waqf Board to usurp any land that it wished. Those who had a problem with this were forced to go before the Waqf Tribunal. This Waqf Tribunal was a kangaroo court and its orders were final and you couldn’t even go in appeal. On top of this, you had the Limitation Act, If you are an aggrieved party, you had only one year to go before the Waqf Tribunal whose order was final but if you are the Waqf Board, you had no Limitation Act applied on you; even after 500 years, 1,000 years you could go and start a claim. This was the Frankenstein Monster that was created by the Waqf Act of 2013 where the Waqf Board was judiciary, legislature, executive all rolled in one, there was no concept of separation of powers…”

#WATCH | #WaqfAmendmentBill | BJP MP Tejasvi Surya says, “The concept of Section 40 – Waqf by User and Oral Waqf was a potent cocktail that enabled the Waqf Board to usurp any land that it wished. Those who had a problem with this were forced to go before the Waqf Tribunal. This… pic.twitter.com/Lr3FedezzG

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

Questioning the logic behind the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Jitendra Awhad said the government should not “interfere” in the matters of faith, claiming that several temples in India are owners of properties.

“What is the need to interfere in Waqf properties? The least the government can do is to prevent misuse (of Waqf properties),” Awhad told reporters.

Awhad said Waqf land is donated by wealthy Muslims for the community welfare and that the government shouldn’t eye these properties.

“Several tracts of land in the Marathwada region belonged to erstwhile Nizam rulers. No one can claim the (ownership) right on the donated land,” he said while slamming the Waqf bill.

“Gold is stacked in several temples in south India which is their property. What is the need to go into people’s faith? Our temples also have properties,” he added. 

The ongoing debate in the Lok Sabha on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill will continue till 10pm, the Speaker said.

The Congress which is opposing the Waqf Bill has constituted neither a Waqf Board nor a Haj committee in the last two and a half years of being in power in Himachal Pradesh, BJP state minority cell president Bilal Ahmad Shah said.

“In the absence of a Waqf Board in Himachal Pradesh, rent issues are pending and people are being subjected to unnecessary trouble,” he told the PTI.

He asserted that the previous BJP government constituted a state Waqf Board within one month of assuming charge.

“Huge properties are owned by the Waqf Board countrywide and still a large number of Muslims are living in poverty because nothing has been done for them and only a few people are reaping all the benefits,” he said.

Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who is also the chief priest of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed disappointment that the Joint Parliamentary Committee tasked with looking into the Waqf (Amendment) Bill had not addressed even one concern of the Muslim scholars from the Union Territory.

“As one watches the ruling party defend the indefensible Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament, it is very unfortunate and disturbing that not even one of the serious concerns and reservations raised by Muslim organisations, including the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) which I lead, before the JPC in New Delhi, was addressed by them,” the mirwaiz said in a post on X.

He said crores of Muslims in India are haplessly watching their rights and institutions being undermined.

“Today, crores of Muslims in India, like mute spectators, are haplessly watching their rights and institutions being blatantly undermined and feel greatly let down,” he said.

Speaking To Reporters In Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said: “The (Waqf Amendment) Bill does not hurt religious faith or sentiment of any community. It only corrects the wrongdoings of the past. Women will get representation on the Waqf Board (proposed under the bill). Any wrongdoing in the board couldn’t be challenged (under existing law) in courts. This provision has been removed.” 

Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan stressed the need for reforming the Waqf Board, citing widespread disputes over its properties.

Talking to reporters in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura, Mr Khan shared his experience as a former minister in charge of the Waqf Board in the northern state and said more than 90 per cent of Waqf properties are embroiled in legal disputes. “It is rare to find Waqf properties being utilised for charitable purposes, such as running colleges, universities or orphanages. Instead, they largely serve the interests of the affluent class,” he said.

On the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh said: “The Congress, along with the INDIA bloc, all are together and have put forth their views on this issue… This bill is unconstitutional. Our Constitution, which inspires everyone to move forward with impartiality, has raised concerns somewhere… So certainly the government needs to work keeping all these things in mind…”

#WATCH | Mandi | On the Waqf Amendment Bill, Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh says, “The Congress party, along with the INDIA bloc, all are together and have put forth their views on this issue…This bill is unconstitutional. Our Constitution, which inspires everyone… pic.twitter.com/A6oddvlejM

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

“This (Waqf Amendment) bill will protect property. Like ASI property, tribal land, private property and for Waqf, you can only donate private, personal property and not the land of the community (village). This bill will bring transparency,” Amit Shah said in the Lok Sabha.

“You (Opposition) would break this country…Through this House, I would like to tell Muslims of the country that not even one non-Muslim would come into your Waqf. This Act has no such provision. But what would the Waqf Board and Waqf Council do? Catch the people selling off Waqf properties and drive them out, catch those who lease off their properties for 100 years in the name of Waqf. The income of Waqf is dropping, the income with which we have to do development for minority and push them forward, that money is being stolen. Waqf Board and Council will catch that,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in the Lok Sabha.

It is not the government but the Opposition that is scaring the Muslims, he added.

#WaqfAmendmentBill | Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, “You (Opposition) would break this country…Through this House, I would like to tell Muslims of the country that not even one non-Muslim would come into your Waqf. This Act has no such provision. But what would the Waqf… pic.twitter.com/pUhqQqd3Re

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

“Our principle is clear, we won’t bring any law for vote bank, it’s for justice. We brought 33% reservation for women in Parliament. We brought provisions to provide housing, electricity, water and health insurance to the poor. We got over one crore suggestions from people, and we brought provisions after that. A member said this is misleading because in the 2013 bill, there was a provision to appeal to the court. It’s not true, there was no provision. There’s a provision to show the Constitution, Mr Speaker, you tell me how can there be a provision where you can’t appeal in the court,” Mr Shah said.

“A member even said the minority won’t even accept it. Who are you trying to scare? It’s the Parliament’s law, everyone will follow and accept it. The country’s law has to be accepted by all,” he added. 

Mr Shah said: “In 2013, Lalu (Prasad Yadav) ji said ‘madam, the Waqf amendment bill is welcomed. Shahnawaz Hussain and others presented their arguments, and I support it. Sarkari and non-government land has been illegally taken over… but I want a strict law in the future against land grabbing. They (Opposition) did not fulfil Lalu’s wishes but Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doing.” 

He continued: “In 2013, they (Opposition) wiped out the provision to take land-grabbing complaints to court. They committed a sin. The new bill will not come in retrospective effect but they are trying to scare the people. You can donate only your land, but not someone’s land. Someone goes to the US to study and comes back to see that his land is Waqf property. Can you make a church, a gurdwara, on the government land? No.”  

All properties, regardless of government or non-government ones, should be checked, Union Minister Amit Shah said. 

#WATCH | #WaqfAmendmentBill | Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, “…Waqf Act and Board came into effect in 1995. All the arguments about the inclusion of non-Muslims inclusion are about interference in the Waqf. First of all, no non-Muslim would come into the Waqf. Understand… pic.twitter.com/osPN7YKoGI

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

Mr Shah also attacked the Congress government in Karnataka, saying the High Court had to intervene to stop land grabbing of 602 sq km by Waqf. “Land for a five-star was given to Waqf for Rs 12,000 per month. They (Congress) think that by doing this, they will win the elections.” 

He continued: “Many Churches in India are supporting the Waqf bill. In four years, Muslims will realise that this Bill will benefit them. Several properties belonging to different religions were declared as Waqf property, including Chandra Shekhar Azad Park in Prayagraj. The government won’t interfere in the charity and donation by Muslims.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah continued: “The Waqf came into being from the principles of Islam. I want to tell all Muslims that non-Muslims won’t enter your Waqf. Waqf parishad oversees and checks the functioning of the property and catches those who misuse their power and illegally grab land.”

Targeting the Congress, he said: “Everything was fine, the Congress came with an amendment in 2013… because of this, 123 properties in Lutyens property went to Waqf, and they started taking over government land. The Congress did this for appeasement politics. In Tamil Nadu, a 400-year-old temple property was declared as Waqf’s.” 

“The Waqf bill is not unconstitutional. Some people are trying to mislead the minorities. Those who take care of religious property, in that board, non-Muslims won’t be in that. We don’t want to even interfere there. The Opposition is trying to scare the minority and build their vote banks. Waqf Board and Waqf Parishad will have non-Muslims,” Amit Shah said in the Lok Sabha.

“Waqf is an Arabic word. Waqf means donation of property in the name of Allah. Waqf is a charitable endowment. I can’t donate someone else’s property. You donate something which is yours. No non-Muslims allowed in Waqf. The amendments won’t create tension between religions,” Amit Shah told the Lower House.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also participating in the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and is currently addressing the Lok Sabha.

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Congress MP KC Venugopal accused the Centre of trying to destroying the minorities of the country.

“Today you are against the Muslims, tomorrow you will be against the Christians, day after tomorrow you will be against the Sikhs… You want to destroy the minorities of the country. This is a clear agenda,” he said, during the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha.

Without naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said: “You are going abroad. You are trying to be a world leader. But here, in the name of religion, you are dividing the country for political benefit. The world’s is watching you.”

According to sources, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to participate in the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha at around 6pm.

AIMIM National spokesperson Waris Pathan questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi is adamant on bringing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and making it a law when Muslims of the country don’t want this bill.

“We’ve been saying it since day one, this is a black law, withdraw it. Now, if the government won’t listen, we’ll protest within the bounds of the Constitution. Earlier, the Muslim Personal Board said whoever has objections to the bill should file their objections, and over a crore people did so. When the Muslims of the country don’t want this bill to pass, don’t want it to become a law, then why is Modi so adamant on bringing this bill and making it a law?” he told ANI.

He also claimed that the BJP does not have a majority to pass the bill in the Lok Sabha and needs support from Chandrababu Naidu, Nitish Kumar, Chirag Paswan, and Jayant Chaudhary. He said that if these individuals support the bill, India’s Muslims will never forgive them.

Speaking to ANI, Chairman of the JPC on Waqf and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal said: “So far, there was no digitisation and registration of Waqf properties. The income from Waqf properties is constantly reducing and it was not benefitting anyone. We have given a chance to women in the Waqf Board… The Opposition is just giving speeches here for appeasement and consider Muslims just as their vote bank…”

#WATCH | On the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, Chairman of the JPC on Waqf and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal says, “He has made it clear the idea behind the bill and the benefit it will have. So far, there was no digitalisation and registration of Waqf properties. The income from Waqf… pic.twitter.com/FWqhOUMbfX

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

Continuing his attack on the Opposition in the Lok Sabha over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, BJP MP Anurag Thakur said: “This is not a Bill but UMMEED (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development). This UMMEED has empowerment, efficiency and development. Looking at this, the people of the country are supporting it. Several organisations like the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, Church of Bharat, Kerala Council of Churches and Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council, All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council and Muslim Rashtriya Manch have supported it. I thank them for this. It is time to amend the Waqf because this has become a base of atrocity and corruption. It is time to end and amend this. India needs liberation from the fear of Waqf because the Waqf law formed during Congress regime meant ‘khaata na bahi, jo Waqf kahe wahi sahi‘…”

#WATCH | #WaqfAmendmentBill | BJP MP Anurag Thakur says, “This is not a Bill but UMMEED (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development). This UMMEED has empowerment, efficiency and development. Looking at this, the people of the country are supporting it.… pic.twitter.com/iiYIjeWwSE

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

On the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, AAP MP Sanjay Singh said: “This is an illegitimate bill focused only on instigating violence in the country. It has been brought seeing the assembly elections in Bihar and West Bengal. Its only aim is to create controversy…”

#WATCH | On the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, AAP MP Sanjay Singh says, “This is an illegitimate bill focussed only on instigating violence in the country. It has been brought seeing the assembly elections in Bihar and West Bengal. Its only aim is to create controversy…” pic.twitter.com/tWUh4HTo1Q

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

BJP MP Anurag Thakur said: “The amendment in the Waqf law seeks to curb corruption. The Opposition compromised the Constitution for votebank. Those opposing have to decide if they want to stick to the Waqf law or the Constitution. This is neither Pakistan nor Taliban’s country. Only one law will run in the country — the Constitution. Today we won’t let another destruction (by the Opposition) in the name of land ‘jihad’.”

Congress MP and Imran Masood said: “The WAMSI portal was being mentioned again and again…10 years is a long time. You could not register all properties in 10 years… You could not do this work in 10 years but now, you say that properties have to be registered within six months and if that is not done, those properties won’t be of Waqf anymore. Who would do the registration? Your officers. How would that be done within six months when it could not be done in 10 years? This is an anti-Constitutional Bill.”

Speaking on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde said: “On behalf of Shiv Sena and my leader Eknath Shinde, I completely support this Bill. This is a historic and important day…First Article 370, then Triple Talaq and CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act), and now, this Bill has been brought to this House for the welfare of the poor…”

He continued: “I was pained upon hearing his (UBT’s Arvind Sawant) speech. It was very shocking. I would like to ask UBT a question, they should ask their conscience whether they would have spoken the same had Balasaheb (Thackeray) been alive today. It is clear today whose ideology UBT is adopting today and opposing this Bill. They had a golden opportunity to rectify their mistakes, rewrite their history and keep their ideology alive… But UBT bulldozed their ideology beforehand… Had Balasaheb been here today and read UBT’s dissent note, he would have been pained…”

#WATCH | #WaqfAmendmentBill | Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde says, “On behalf of Shiv Sena and my leader Eknath Shinde, I completely support this Bill. This is a historic and important day…First Article 370, then Triple Talaq and CAA, and now this Bill has been brought to this… pic.twitter.com/y9SvzLEc2a

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

Madhya Pradesh minister and BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya hit out at the opposition parties over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, saying they were against proposed changes in the legislation due to their policy of appeasement.

“The Opposition is opposing the bill due to the policy of appeasement. A large number of cases of Muslims are pending in the Waqf Board. The Muslim community will benefit the most from the change in the Waqf Act.” 

He claimed that one group has captured the Waqf Board across the country, but after changes in the law, the board will get freedom from this faction.

The senior BJP leader said that many “sensible” people from the Muslim community were celebrating the bill, but those who were deliberately pretending to be asleep could not be woken up.

On Congress’ opposition to the bill, he said the party was only concerned about its vote bank.

#WATCH | Indore, Madhya Pradesh: On the Waqf Amendment Bill, Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya says, “The opposition is protesting due to the policy of appeasement. Cases of lakhs of Muslim brothers are pending in the Waqf Board. The amendment being made in the Waqf… pic.twitter.com/tGY3WbGjfd

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Arvind Sawant, who also participated in the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, said: “I, too, was a member of the JPC. Unfortunately, till the end, clause-by-clause discussions were not held in the JPC. Non-stakeholders were also called to the JPC… We have always felt that there is a great difference between your words and actions. You do not want to do justice to anyone with this Bill… Do not think that what you are doing is right…I think you can only see the Bihar Elections now…”

#WATCH | Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant says, “I am here to present my view on #WaqfAmendmentBill…I, too, was a member of the JPC. Unfortunately, till the end, clause-by-clause discussions were not held in the JPC. Non-stakeholders were also called to the JPC…We have always… pic.twitter.com/9tz7d1ipdP

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

People’s Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone also opposed the Waqf Bill amendments. Waqf by definition is the custodian of properties which are collectively owned by Muslims, he said.

“The proposed amendment by Parliament is a blatant interference in our faith aimed at divesting rightfully custodians of their authority. Yet another right wing trespass,” Lone said in a post on X.

Waqf by definition is the custodian of properties which are collectively owned by Muslims. It is an Islamic concept.
The proposed amendment by Parliament is a blatant interference in our faith aimed at divesting rightfully custodians of their authority.
Yet another right…

— Sajad Lone (@sajadlone) April 2, 2025

On the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said: “The Shiv Sena’s stand on the Waqf Board has always been clear. We will never compromise with our ideology for power or selfishness. Our stand on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is also clear. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is for the welfare of the common people of the Muslim society, for their progress.” 

#WATCH | Mumbai: On the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde says, “Shiv Sena’s stand on the Waqf Board has always been clear… We will never compromise with our ideology for power or selfishness… Our stand on the Waqf Amendment Bill is… pic.twitter.com/B7tGnzcEpP

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

Speaking in support of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti said: “The TDP’s role in shaping this Bill shows our commitment to Muslim and minority welfare. Ensuring the welfare of minorities has always been the top priority since the formation of our party…” 

#WaqfAmendmentBill | TDP MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti speaks in support of the Bill and says, “The TDP’s role in shaping this Bill shows our commitment to Muslim and minority welfare. Ensuring the welfare of minorities has always been the top priority since the formation of our… pic.twitter.com/WhC4lZqFwh

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

“The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is designed to disempower Muslims. I don’t have any hope with BJP as we have been seeing for the past 10-11 years how Muslims are lynched and mosques demolished… but the Hindu brethren should step forward because this is the nation of Gandhi, it should run as per the constitution,” Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti said.

She said the secular forces should intervene to prevent the country from becoming another Myanmar.

“They (Hindus) have to if they do not want another Myanmar here, if they do not want the same to happen to Muslims what happened to Kashmiri Pandits. So, people have to come forward and stop the injustice, the takeover of the Waqf board that is taking place now,” she said. 

#WATCH | On #WaqfAmendmentBill, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti says, “For the last 10-11 years, BJP has been working against Muslims. This is a part of that. First, they were lynched, mosques were damaged and shops were shut. By bringing this Waqf Bill, they want to seize our… pic.twitter.com/fScmEQ2PTM

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

Minister of Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched a scathing attack on the Opposition over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. “If you do not like PM Modi, then do not look at him. Focus on your work. But the people of the country like PM Modi. Precisely why he works for the people of the country. Are you against the welfare of the Muslims? If PM Modi has done something for them, you should praise him,” he said. 

“Two types of people have a problem with the Bill — those using religion for their personal interests and those who had control over such Waqf properties. If you are creating a narrative against the Bill in the country, its primarily for your own political interests,” he added.

He also alleged that the Opposition’s definition of secularism is to divide the society for their votebank.

On the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Karnataka Assembly Leader of Opposition R Ashoka said: “We welcome this because the farmers’ land will be returned. It is a very prestigious Bill. I appreciate the central government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, JP Nadda, Amit Shah and all BJP leaders because this is very essential for Karnataka as many farmer suicides occurred due to Waqf issue.” 

Speaking in the Lower House during the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, DMK’s A Raja said religion is different and politics is something different”. The two should not be mixed, he said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was tabled in the Lok Sabha earlier in the day.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin writes to the Prime Minister to urge the Union Government to completely withdraw the proposed Waqf Bill 2024 pic.twitter.com/swsx0MhzL7

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

Akhilesh Yadav: “The party that calls itself the world’s largest party has not yet been able to choose its national president.” 

Amit Shah: “All the parties in front of me, their national president, will be chosen by only some family members. We have to choose from 12-13 crore members after a process. So it takes time. In your case, it will not take much time. I am saying that you will remain president for 25 years.”

#WATCH | Samajwadi Party chief and MP Akhilesh Yadav takes jibe at BJP; he said, “The party that calls itself the world’s largest party has not yet been able to choose its national president.”
Replying to him, Union HM Amit Shah said, “All the parties in front of me, their… pic.twitter.com/9zX6mAejzz

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

“This is a crucial step by the government towards transparency, fairness, and accountability. Only the people who are using religion and misleading the community for their own gain are opposing this bill. This bill is not taking away anyone’s rights but will help those who are not getting their rights,” said Kausar Jahan, Chairperson of Delhi State Haj Committee. 

Security was tightened at sensitive locations of Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar as a precautionary measure, following the tabling of the Waqf Bill in Parliament on Wednesday, officials said.

A flag march led by District Magistrate Umesh Mishra and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abhishek Singh was conducted by the district administration in sensitive areas.

The march covered key areas, including the Khalapar locality, they said.

Drone surveillance is also being carried out to monitor the situation. Authorities said the situation in Muzaffarnagar has been peaceful so far.

“Our guiding light is India’s Constitution. This bill is an assault on the Constitution. The Bill aims to defame minorities, aim to defranchise minorities,” said Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi.

On Waqf Amendment Bill, Congress MP Rajiv Shukla says, “The Opposition has said that some amendments in this bill are not right and a consensus was not built on this bill.”

“Parliament was being claimed as Waqf”: Minister Kiren Rijiju blasts UPA government.

After introducing the Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says: “I want to say that the discussion that has taken place on the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Joint Committee of both the Houses has never been done in the parliamentary history of India till date. I thank and congratulate all the members of the Joint Committee…Till date, a total of 284 delegations from the state holders of different communities have presented their views and suggestions before the committee. Waqf boards of 25 state governments and union territories have also presented their submissions.”

“It was your (Opposition) insistence that a Joint Parliamentary Committee should be formed. We do not have a committee like the Congress. We have a democratic committee, which brainstorms. ‘Congress ke zamane mein committee hoti thi jo thappa lagati thi’. Our committee discusses, deliberates on the basis of discussions and makes changes. If the changes are not to be accepted, then what is the point of the committee?” asks Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

“You tried to mislead people on issues which are not part of Waqf Bill,” says Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to Opposition in Lok Sabha. 

Waqf Amendment Bill introduced by Kiren Rijiju in Lok Sabha, 8-hour debate begins

#WATCH | Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduces Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha. pic.twitter.com/BukG8RSqBT

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

Union Minister Giriraj Singh says, “This bill is constitutional, in the interest of Muslims, in the interest of the poor… Those who are opposing it are anti-Muslim.”

#WATCH | Delhi: Waqf Amendment Bill to be introduced in Lok Sabha today
Union Minister Giriraj Singh says, “This bill is constitutional, in the interest of Muslims, in the interest of the poor… Those who are opposing it are anti-Muslim.” pic.twitter.com/vkVoRlwuvQ

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

#WATCH | Delhi: Waqf Amendment Bill to be introduced in Lok Sabha today
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal says “…It will be decided today who is a secular party in this country. There are elections in Bihar, if JDU votes in favour of the Bill, they will lose the elections. It is… pic.twitter.com/F5YnPRmzYh

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi arrives at the Parliament wearing black attire to protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill, which will be introduced in Lok Sabha today pic.twitter.com/5UdDhZedtH

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju is set to introduce Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha today. Calling it a “historic day”, Mr Rijiju said the bill is being introduced in the interest of the country and those opposing it are doing so for political reasons.

“Today is a historic day and today the Waqf Amendment Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha and this bill is being introduced in the interest of the country. Not only crores of Muslims but the whole country will support it. Those who are opposing it are doing so for political reasons. I will present the facts in the House. And I also want that if someone opposes, they should oppose on the basis of logic and we will also answer them. Because when we are bringing such a bill, we have come after a lot of thought and preparation…,” he said.

Janasena, an ally of NDA (National Democratic Alliance), extends support to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The party believes the amendment will benefit the Muslim community. In this regard, party president Pawan Kalyan has issued directives to Jana Sena MPs in the Lok Sabha, instructing them to participate in the voting and support the bill.

వక్ఫ్ సవరణ బిల్లుకు జనసేన మద్దతు pic.twitter.com/2ekHPa2YuZ

— JanaSena Party (@JanaSenaParty) April 1, 2025

#WATCH | Delhi: Waqf Amendment Bill to be introduced in Lok Sabha today.
Samajwadi Party MP Javed Ali Khan says “It is the prerogative of the government to bring any bill or amendment bill and they can bring this bill but this bill is being brought with a view to interfere in… pic.twitter.com/DkyneGWVMQ

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025

Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav reiterated his party’s opposition to the proposed amendments to the Waqf Bill, describing them as “dictatorial” and “unconstitutional”.

“Our party has been opposing this bill from the beginning. The amendments made in the bill are dictatorial and unconstitutional…They are in the majority, and they will get it passed somehow, but we want to have discussions so that the country should know what they are doing,” he told ANI.

Mr Yadav further added that, “Article 26 states that minorities shall have the right to manage their religious affairs independently, without any interference.”

Attacking the opposition for opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Uttarakhand Waqf Board Chairman Shadab Shams said that the poor Muslims have hopes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that it is “70 saal Vs Modi Karyakal” (PM Modi term).
Speaking to news agency ANI, the Uttarakhand Waqf Board Chairman said that the PM Modi-led central government has decided to bring the poor Muslims into the mainstream.

“Poor Muslims have hopes from PM Modi, and that is why we have named this amendment bill as ‘Ummeed’. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju is the ray of hope… PM Modi’s government has decided that they will bring the poor Muslims into the mainstream. It is ’70 saal Vs Modi Karyakal’,” Mr Shams said.

The numbers appear to give an advantage to the ruling BJP. The party has 240 MPs, and its key allies TDP and JDU have 16 and 12 MPs, respectively. With other allies, the NDA is expected to score 295 votes, comfortably past the majority mark of 272. The Congress and its allies have around 234 votes.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is not acceptable to him and he will always oppose it.

“Waqf Amendment Bill is not acceptable to me, and I will always oppose it,” said the Chief Minister while talking to media persons on the sidelines of an official function here after inaugurating the free bus service for women.

The Waqf Amendment Bill proposes several changes to laws governing central and state boards, which decide how Muslim charitable properties are administered. The bill had been first tabled in the Lower House in August last year, after which it was sent to a joint parliamentary committee for scrutiny. The JPC submitted its report in February.

Eventually, 66 changes were proposed, of which all 44 from the opposition were rejected while the 23 from BJP and allied parties were accepted. After a vote, 14 of the 23 were cleared.

The JPC had 16 MPs from the BJP and allied parties, and 10 from the opposition.

The original draft of the Waqf Amendment Bill had proposed 44 changes.

These included nominating non-Muslim and (at least two) women members to each Waqf board, as well as a Union Minister, three MPs and persons of ‘national repute’. There was also a proposal to limit donations from Muslims practicing their religion for at least five years.

The proposals were fiercely criticised by the opposition; senior Congress leader KC Venugopal said it amounted to a “direct attack on the freedom of religion”.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and the DMK’s Kanimozhi also spoke out, arguing the bill violated multiple sections of the Constitution, including Article 15 (the right to practice a religion of one’s choice) and Article 30 (the right to minority communities to establish and administer educational institutions).

August 8, 2024: Bill introduced in Lok Sabha

August 9, 2024: Bill referred to 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)

August 22, 2024: JPC holds first meet

November 28, 2024: JPC tenure extended

February 13, 2025: JPC report tabled in parliament

February 13, 2025: Amendments proposed by JPC

February 27, 2025: Cabinet clears amendments