Massive Uproar in Lok Sabha as Controversial Waqf Bill 2025 Passes
In a dramatic turn of events, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the early hours of Thursday, following an intense 12-hour debate. The bill, which has been at the center of heated discussions, was passed with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, after the rejection of all amendments proposed by the opposition.
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While the ruling NDA government claimed that the bill would streamline the management of Waqf properties and ensure transparency, the opposition strongly criticized it, calling it “anti-Muslim” and a violation of religious rights. The passage of the bill led to a major uproar, with opposition parties accusing the government of pushing forward an agenda that allegedly curtails the rights of minorities.
Key Provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025
The bill introduces several changes to the existing Waqf laws, including:
- Strengthening Waqf Tribunals to speed up dispute resolution.
- Structured selection process for members of Waqf boards.
- Fixed tenure for Waqf board members to ensure stability.
- Reduced mandatory contribution of Waqf institutions to Waqf boards from 7% to 5%.
- State-appointed auditors to monitor Waqf institutions earning over ₹1 lakh annually.
- A centralized digital portal for managing Waqf properties, enhancing transparency.
- Restoration of pre-2013 rules, allowing only practising Muslims (for at least five years) to dedicate property to Waqf.
- Mandatory inheritance rights for women before a property is declared as Waqf, with special provisions for widows, divorced women, and orphans.
- Investigation of Waqf claims on government properties by officers above the rank of collector.
- Appointment of non-Muslim members to state and central Waqf boards to promote inclusivity.
Government’s Justification for the Bill
Home Minister Amit Shah defended the bill, asserting that it does not interfere with religious rights. He stated:
“To those who claim that the bill discriminates or infringes on religious rights, I want to make it clear that nothing like this will happen.”
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also justified the bill, saying that the changes were necessary because the UPA-era amendments had given the Waqf Act overriding power over other laws. He also took a dig at the opposition for misleading people over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), saying:
“Tell me now, citizenship rights of how many Muslims were taken away since CAA came into force? Not even one.”
Opposition’s Strong Reaction
Opposition parties, including the Congress, TMC, AIMIM, and DMK, fiercely opposed the bill. They accused the government of trying to weaken the Waqf system and targeting the Muslim community under the guise of reforms.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the bill, calling it an attack on religious freedom. He stated:
“This is an attempt to control Waqf properties and interfere in Muslim religious affairs.”
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi strongly opposed the provision allowing non-Muslims on Waqf boards, calling it unconstitutional.
The Bigger Political Picture
With the 2025 general elections approaching, the passage of the bill has triggered a political storm. The ruling BJP aims to project the bill as a reform for transparency, while the opposition views it as a polarizing move to consolidate votes. The issue is expected to dominate upcoming political debates, protests, and election campaigns.
Conclusion
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has ignited fierce debates across political and religious circles. While the government argues that it will bring transparency and inclusivity, the opposition sees it as an infringement on religious rights. As the bill moves to the Rajya Sabha for approval, all eyes are on how the upper house will respond to this controversial legislation.
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