After being passed in the Lok Sabha, the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, was presented in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, where it was approved following a lengthy debate lasting almost 12 hours. The bill received 128 votes in favor and 95 votes against it in the Rajya Sabha. Earlier, in the Lok Sabha, 288 MPs voted in favor of the bill, while 232 MPs opposed it. With the bill now cleared by both Houses of Parliament, it awaits the President’s approval. Once signed by the President, the bill will become law and will be implemented.
Purpose of the Waqf Bill
The bill was introduced by the Modi government with the aim of improving the management and administration of Waqf properties. Waqf boards in India control vast amounts of property and land, but these resources have not been managed effectively. The government seeks to bring transparency and better governance in managing these assets. The bill has sparked strong reactions from both the ruling NDA and the opposition parties in Parliament.
Support from JDU and Representation for Pashmanda Muslims
JDU MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, during the debate in the Rajya Sabha, explained that the bill would provide representation for Pashmanda Muslims, a group that makes up 73% of the Muslim population in Bihar, within the Waqf Board. He also addressed rumors circulating among Muslims about the bill, stating that after the debate, the situation had been clarified. Jha emphasized that the implementation of the bill would benefit the economically weaker sections of the Muslim community, particularly in managing Waqf properties for their welfare.
HD Deve Gowda’s Support for the Bill
Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda voiced his support for the bill in the Rajya Sabha, stating that the legislation does not interfere with Muslim religious practices but focuses solely on the administration and revenue of Waqf properties. He pointed out that Waqf boards in India manage over 8.7 lakh properties and 9.4 lakh acres of land, valued at approximately ₹1.2 lakh crore. However, this vast resource had been mismanaged by a few powerful individuals for personal gain. Deve Gowda expressed that the bill would help regulate this process and ensure better management of these assets.
Opposition’s Criticism: M. Mallikarjun Kharge
On the other hand, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge strongly opposed the bill, calling it a conspiracy to harass minorities. He questioned why there had been no objection to the Waqf Act of 1995, which had not been amended until now, and why the BJP had no issues with it at that time. Kharge criticized the provision in the bill that replaces the Waqf Survey Commissioner and Additional Commissioner with a Collector, suggesting it would create new difficulties for Muslims. He argued that this would lead to unnecessary complications for the Muslim community.
Conclusion: Awaiting Presidential Approval
With both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha passing the Waqf Bill, the final step is awaiting the President’s approval. Once approved, the bill will become a law, bringing about significant reforms in the management of Waqf properties across India, with an emphasis on transparency and efficient governance. However, its passage has sparked intense debates regarding its implications for the Muslim community and the Waqf system.
