Waqf Amendment Bill Passed in Lok Sabha: 288 Votes in Favor, 232 Against
Bill Passed in Lok Sabha
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 was passed in the Lok Sabha with a majority vote. 288 votes were cast in favor of the bill, while 232 votes were against it. The bill was introduced by Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju. There was a debate in the Parliament lasting over 12 hours, during which various parties expressed their views on the bill.
Opposition’s Concern: Appointment of Non-Muslims
The main concern raised by the opposition was the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board. They argued that this could interfere with religious matters and potentially harm the rights of Muslims. Particularly, Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi opposed the bill, claiming that it was detrimental to the Muslim community. Owaisi emphasized that while the protection of Hindu temples and other religious institutions was being ensured, the same was not true for mosques under this bill.
Government’s Stand: Transparency and Fairness
On the other hand, the government defended the bill as a measure to ensure transparency and a fair system for managing Waqf properties. Home Minister Amit Shah clarified that the bill did not involve any interference in Muslim religious matters but aimed to ensure proper management and regulation of properties donated through Waqf. Shah also mentioned that this bill was not related to vote-bank politics and that the opposition was spreading fear about its impact on Muslims.
Kiren Rijiju’s Defense: Clarification on Allegations
Minister Kiren Rijiju responded to the opposition’s allegations by saying that the government was not dividing Muslims but instead attempting to unify them. He pointed out that the previous provisions of the Waqf law had created divisions between Shia and Sunni Muslims by establishing separate boards for them. The current bill, he argued, would bring all Muslims together. He also questioned the opposition’s narrative of the government working against Muslims.
Opposition Parties’ Opposition
Opposition parties, including Congress, Samajwadi Party, and other groups, strongly opposed the bill. They described it as unconstitutional and an attack on the rights of minorities. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board also called for nationwide protests against the bill. These parties claimed that the bill would increase government interference in the affairs of the Muslim community.
The Next Battle in Rajya Sabha
After being passed in the Lok Sabha, the bill now moves to the Rajya Sabha, where a fierce battle is expected between the government and the opposition. Opposition parties may intensify their resistance in the Rajya Sabha, where the bill’s future will be decided.
Arguments in Support of the Bill
In support of the bill, BJP and its allies argued that the primary aim was to bring transparency and fairness to the management of Waqf properties. JD(S) leader M Mallesh Babu stated that the bill would help ensure better management and transparency in Waqf properties, which were previously not properly regulated.
Conclusion
The passing of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha is a significant step, but opposition parties and various Muslim organizations continue to resist it. The next phase of this bill’s journey will be in the Rajya Sabha, where it will likely face another round of intense debate and opposition.
