The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, introduced by Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, sparked a heated debate across party lines. Designed to reform the management of Waqf properties, the bill aims to integrate technology, enhance transparency, and simplify legal processes. It was introduced following recommendations from a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and has been rechristened as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill.
While the government lauded the bill as a progressive step, opposition parties strongly criticized it, accusing the ruling BJP of attempting to undermine constitutional safeguards. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi alleged that the bill dilutes the autonomy of Waqf institutions, while Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav took a jibe at the BJP, highlighting its leadership struggles.
Union Home Minister of India Amit Shah addressing the oppositions questions said,” Its a Law of Nation, Law of Lok Sabha Everyone must follow and accept it.”
BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad questioned the effectiveness of Waqf Boards, pointing out that despite decades of control, there’s little to show in terms of schools and hospitals on Waqf lands. In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed allegations of religious interference, claiming the bill is not intended to target Muslim properties but to promote efficient resource management.
Opposition voices grew louder with AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi calling the bill “unconstitutional” and accusing the BJP of exploiting religious sentiments for political gains. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced that his party, the DMK, would challenge the bill in the Supreme Court, citing its passage at 2 a.m. as a breach of democratic norms.
On the other side, BJP leaders, including Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, defended the bill, emphasizing its potential to end the monopoly over Waqf properties and ensure their benefits reach underprivileged communities. Sachdeva described the legislation as a “reformative step” aligned with the government’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” vision.
The bill proposes significant changes, including broader representation in Waqf boards for Muslim women, non-Muslims, and backward classes. It also seeks to establish separate boards for Bohra and Aghakhani Muslims and rename the Waqf Act to reflect its reformed objectives.
After a marathon 12-hour debate, the bill passed the Lok Sabha with 288 votes in Favor and 232 against. It now awaits discussion in the Rajya Sabha, where further opposition is expected.
