Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 Live Updates: Minorities being intimidated for vote bank politics; law applies to all, says Amit Shah
Apr 2, 2025 07:19 PM
Bihar Congress MP Mohammad Javed calls it 'land grab attempt'
Bihar Congress MP Dr Mohammad Javed strongly opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, alleging that it is a ploy by the Centre to usurp Muslim-owned land. He warned that if the law is passed, half of India’s population would end up fighting legal battles in the courts.
Apr 2, 2025 07:18 PM
Jayant Chaudhary’s party backs Bill
Dr Rajkumar Sangwan, MP from Jayant Chaudhary’s Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), extended support for the Waqf Bill, 2025, tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. He stated that the legislation aims to empower Muslim women, who have long been left to fend for themselves.
Apr 2, 2025 07:17 PM
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MP ET Mohammed Bashir also criticised the Bill, alleging that the ruling party was conspiring to seize land through this legislation.
Apr 2, 2025 07:16 PM
Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee slams Bill, calls BJP a ‘Jumla Party’
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday strongly opposed the Centre’s Waqf Bill, 2025. The Trinamool Congress chief accused the BJP of attempting to divide the nation along religious lines through this legislation, calling it a "Jumla Party."
Apr 2, 2025 07:11 PM
'Congress instilled fear among Muslims for vote bank politics'
Amit Shah accused the Congress of spreading fear among Muslims for political gains. "When the Ram Temple was being built, they said rivers of blood would flow, that Muslims would take to the streets. During the Triple Talaq and CAA debates, they falsely claimed that Muslims would lose their citizenship. If even a single Muslim has lost citizenship in the last two years due to CAA, let them present the evidence in Parliament," Shah challenged.
He also criticised the Congress for its stance on Article 370. "Look at what they used to say about Article 370. Today, Omar Abdullah is the Chief Minister, and development is taking place," he said.
Shah asserted that every citizen, regardless of religion, is safe under the Narendra Modi government. "The Congress has long engaged in caste-based politics and appeasement to further their family's political interests. Since 2014, Modi ji has ended casteism, appeasement, and dynastic politics, focusing instead on development. The people have elected Modi ji for three terms, and BJP is set to form the government for a third consecutive term," he said.
Apr 2, 2025 07:07 PM
Shah: Bohra, Pasmanda, Shia communities don't want to come under Waqf jurisdiction
Amit Shah claimed that several Muslim communities, including Bohra, Pasmanda, and Shia, do not wish to be governed under Waqf laws.
"There are many Muslim brothers who do not want to come under the purview of the Waqf Act. Anyone, including members of these communities, can register their property under a charitable trust instead," Shah explained.
Apr 2, 2025 07:05 PM
#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
Apr 2, 2025 07:05 PM
#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
Apr 2, 2025 07:04 PM
#WATCH | #WaqfAmendmentBill | Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "...Had Waqf not been amended in 2013, this (Amendment Bill) Bill would not have been needed. Everything was going well. But there were elections in 2014, and overnight in 2013, the Waqf Act was turned extreme for… pic.twitter.com/mfI0iv4vtK
— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025
Apr 2, 2025 07:03 PM
Amit Shah stressed the need for transparency in Waqf registrations, stating that new Waqf properties must be registered through a clear and accountable process. Shah also highlighted changes in revenue matters, saying, "We have reduced the revenue percentage from 7% to 5%. This is being misunderstood; the funds will be utilised for Waqf-related activities. If a mosque is being constructed, more funds will be available."
He assured that the rights of tribals, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and private property owners would remain protected. "Ownership is essential for Waqf registration, and transparency will be ensured through an information-sharing mechanism," he added.
Apr 2, 2025 07:02 PM
Shah: Waqf land increased by 3 lakh acres from 2013 to 2025
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said while religious activities would be conducted by Waqf, they would not be managed by the Waqf Board. He cited rulings from the Kerala and Allahabad High Courts in support of this stance.
Referring to the 2013 law, Shah said, "They claimed there was no irregularity, but the unjust law enacted in 2013 tells a different story. From 1913 to 2013, the total land under Waqf Boards was 18 lakh acres. However, between 2013 and 2025, the impact of this law led to an addition of 21 lakh acres."
Shah questioned the disappearance of leased properties. "Initially, 20,000 properties were recorded as leased, but later, the records showed zero. Where did these properties go? They were sold. Who authorised their sale?" He added that it was not just the government that considered the 2013 law unjust, but several Catholic institutions had also raised concerns.
Apr 2, 2025 06:52 PM
'The law belongs to Government of India, it must be accepted'
Union Home Minister Amit Shah firmly stated that discussions in Parliament would not be dictated by any individual’s preferences. "Every member of this House is free to speak. This is not about any particular family; the elected representatives here serve the people," he said.
Shah said no decision could be placed beyond the jurisdiction of the country's courts. "Where will those go whose land has been encroached upon? What was done for personal benefit has been rejected by us," he asked.
Responding to objections from a member who claimed that minorities would not accept the law, Shah said, "Is this a threat? This is a law passed by Parliament, and it must be accepted. The law belongs to the Government of India, and compliance is mandatory."
Apr 2, 2025 06:44 PM
Amit Shah: BJP makes laws for justice, not vote banks
Amit Shah claimed that the BJP does not frame laws for vote banks but for justice. He dismissed criticism of recent legislations, highlighting key initiatives such as 33% reservation for women, free gas connections, sanitation, clean drinking water, health insurance up to Rs 5 lakh, electricity, and housing for the poor.
Shah said the first anti-conversion laws were introduced by the Congress in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha when it followed Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. He expressed pride that the BJP governments have continued to enforce strong laws against religious conversion.
Apr 2, 2025 06:42 PM
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Waqf Amendment Bill would bring transparency through audits and balance sheet reviews. He questioned why anyone should oppose transparency and highlighted that under previous laws, Waqf orders could not be challenged. The new Bill, however, allows anyone to challenge Waqf decisions in court.
Shah clarified that the law would take effect only after official notification. He further explained that when land is purchased for a temple, the collector decides ownership—so why object if the same process applies to Waqf land? He added that many churches and gurdwaras exist on non-government land, while Waqf property ownership will now be verified by the collector.
Apr 2, 2025 06:36 PM
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recalled that in 2013, RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav had raised concerns about Waqf properties being misused and illegally occupied. Amit Shah quoted Yadav as saying that prime land had been grabbed, including the Dak Bungalow area in Patna, and demanded stricter laws to punish those responsible.
Shah remarked, "Laluji's demand for a strong law to stop Waqf property misuse was ignored by the Congress, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now fulfilled it."
Apr 2, 2025 06:35 PM
Amit Shah: Waqf and its management should serve the community, not be misused
Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised that Waqf properties are meant for religious activities and donations by the Muslim community. He pointed out that the mutawalli (caretaker), waqif (donor), and Waqf itself all belong to the same community, yet there has been a lack of transparency in management.
Amit Shah stressed that the government would now ensure proper maintenance and legal compliance of Waqf properties. He criticised the practice of leasing centuries-old donated properties at throwaway prices, such as Rs 12,000 per month. Instead, he urged that these resources be utilised for widows, underprivileged Muslims, and the youth.
Apr 2, 2025 06:32 PM
Amit Shah slams Opposition for opposing accountability
Shah criticised the opposition for resisting scrutiny of Waqf finances, stating that these properties and funds belong to the poor and should not be exploited. He also accused the Congress and Samajwadi Party of using Waqf issues to gain Muslim sympathy. He claimed that even churches, which were previously occupied under Waqf claims, are now supporting the new Waqf Bill.
Apr 2, 2025 06:32 PM
Shah highlighted multiple instances of Waqf property misuse, stating that:
500 acres of Waqf land were leased to a five-star hotel for just Rs 12,000 per month.
In Tamil Nadu, 12 villages covering 250 hectares were declared Waqf property, including 400 acres of temple land.
In Karnataka, 29,000 acres of Waqf land were leased out, and between 2001 and 2012, Waqf properties worth Rs 2 lakh crore were given to private institutions on 100-year leases.
The Bengaluru High Court had to intervene to prevent the seizure of 602 acres of land.
Apr 2, 2025 06:31 PM
Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that the Congress government amended Waqf laws overnight in 2013 for appeasement ahead of the 2014 General Election. He claimed that these changes resulted in the transfer of 123 VIP properties in Lutyens' Delhi to the Waqf Board.
Apr 2, 2025 06:29 PM
Amit Shah accuses Congress of handing over prime properties to Waqf before 2014 polls
Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Congress party for allegedly transferring 123 VIP properties in New Delhi to the Waqf Board just before the 2014 General election. He further claimed that the Congress amended the Waqf Act in 2013 to donate railway land to the Waqf Board, accusing the party of appeasement politics.
Apr 2, 2025 06:27 PM
Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the opposition of interfering in religious matters, emphasising that Waqf functions under the Trust Act, where the creator and managing trustee oversee its operations. He pointed out that all aspects of Waqf governance adhere to Islamic principles, which is why its formation should be led by individuals from the faith.
Criticising the push for non-Islamic representation in Waqf management, Shah argued that trustees in religious institutions are always from the respective faith—Christians for churches and Hindus for Hindu trusts. He warned that imposing a different standard across all religions would lead to national disunity.
Shah asserted that the Waqf Board’s primary role is to prevent the misuse of Waqf properties, ensuring they are not sold at throwaway prices. He claimed that the amendment aims to curb financial irregularities, disrupting past collusion and malpractice in Waqf property dealings.
Apr 2, 2025 06:21 PM
Amit Shah: Minorities being scared for vote bank politics
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that donations can only be made for assets one rightfully owns. He emphasised that changes were made after India’s independence and that the ongoing dispute dates back to 1995. According to Shah, the issue revolves around interference in Waqf matters, clarifying that non-Islamic individuals cannot be part of Waqf, as no such provision exists. He accused political opponents of instilling fear among minorities for vote bank politics.
Apr 2, 2025 06:19 PM
Amit Shah: Kiren Rijiju will respond on the Bill
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that he has carefully listened to the ongoing discussion since morning. He noted that many misconceptions exist among the members and are being spread across the country. Shah clarified that Union Minister Kiren Rijiju would respond to the Bill, while he would address certain aspects.
Explaining the term "Waqf," Shah said it is an Arabic word that refers to the donation of property for religious purposes in the name of Allah.
Apr 2, 2025 06:18 PM
#WATCH | #WaqfAmendmentBill | Congress MP K.C. Venugopal says, "...I expected so many legislations to come during this period. For last several years, farmers have been on the street, they are demanding legal guarantees for MSP. But the Bill is not coming. Youngsters of this… pic.twitter.com/mze0b7AGlK
— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025
Apr 2, 2025 06:13 PM
KC Venugopal accuses govt of dividing ‘Bharat Mata’ on religious lines
Congress MP KC Venugopal has criticised the government, alleging "Bharat Mata is being divided on religious grounds." Addressing Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, he questioned the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board under the proposed Bill. Venugopal pointed out that the Vaishno Devi Temple Act mandates the Lieutenant Governor as the chairman, with the authority to nominate a Hindu representative if the Governor is not Hindu.
Expressing his support for this provision, he asked why similar considerations were not extended to the Waqf Board. He further cited Kerala’s Devaswom Board, where only Hindu legislators have the right to nominate members, while Muslim or Christian legislators do not possess this authority.
Apr 2, 2025 05:57 PM
CPI(M) MP K Radhakrishnan opposes Bill
Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP K Radhakrishnan voiced opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, while speaking in the Lok Sabha, criticising its provisions and potential impact.
Apr 2, 2025 05:56 PM
RJD MP Sudhakar Singh calls bill a conspiracy to seize land
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sudhakar Singh criticised the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, alleging that it is a conspiracy by the Centre to take control of Waqf properties. He warned that if the Bill is passed, the BJP may eventually target temple lands in the future.
Apr 2, 2025 05:48 PM
SP MP Mohibbullah opposes Bill, accuses govt of restricting religious practices
Samajwadi Party MP Mohibullah voiced strong opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, arguing that it undermines religious traditions. "This is a land of Sufis, sages, and saints, yet the government is preventing people from offering prayers," he said. He criticised the Bill for requiring imams to prove their status and questioned the legitimacy of historical mosques, stating, "A 100-year-old mosque remains, but a 600-year-old mosque without documents will no longer be recognised as Waqf property. What kind of change is this, and what message does it send?"
Apr 2, 2025 05:44 PM
YSRCP MP PV Mudhin Reddy rejects Waqf Bill, calls it unconstitutional
Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) MP PV Mudhin Reddy opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, labelling it unconstitutional and raising concerns over its implications.
Apr 2, 2025 05:36 PM
LJP MP Arun Bharti accuses opposition of fear-mongering over Waqf Bill
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP Arun Bharti criticised the Opposition for opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, accusing them of spreading fear to protect their vote bank. He stated that the Opposition consistently invokes religious concerns, claiming that mosques and dargahs would be affected, instead of engaging in meaningful debate on real issues. Bharti argued that passing the Bbill would expose political conspiracies and end orchestrated politics surrounding Waqf properties.
Apr 2, 2025 05:17 PM
Thakur: Waqf Bill will end Congress’s appeasement politics
BJP MP Anurag Thakur, supporting the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, stated that the legislation would be the “final nail in the coffin” for Congress’s appeasement politics. He accused the party of opposing the Bill out of fear, alleging that the Congress had unlawfully acquired large portions of Waqf land and now dreads being exposed.
Apr 2, 2025 05:15 PM
Thakur: Waqf properties concentrated in the hands of 200 people
BJP MP Anurag Thakur criticised the control of Waqf properties, stating that they are concentrated in the hands of just 200 individuals, holding assets worth crores. He asserted that under Prime Minister Modi’s government, there will be “one law, one Constitution” and no further division of land.
Dismissing religious narratives, Thakur said, "This is not about Hindus or Muslims; it is about the Constitution versus corruption, law versus illegality." He warned that unchecked Waqf authority could lead to further disputes, referencing a famous quote: “Beyond right and wrong, there is a field—I will meet you there. But if Waqf’s power prevails, you will become Waqf property yourself.”
#WATCH | #WaqfAmendmentBill | BJP MP Anurag Thakur says, "This is not a Bill but UMEED (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development). This UMEED has empowerment, efficiency and development. Looking at this, the people of the country are supporting it. Several… pic.twitter.com/7GBKcQzFsY
— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025
Apr 2, 2025 05:08 PM
Anurag Thakur: India's governance will follow Ambedkar’s Constitution, not Mughal decrees
BJP MP Anurag Thakur asserted that India must be free from the “fear of Waqf.” Criticising the existing system, he remarked, "There are no records, no ledgers—only what Waqf declares is deemed correct." He challenged the notion of parallel authority, stating, "You must decide whether you stand with Waqf or with the Constitution." Taking a dig at the Opposition, he added, "This is India, not Taliban or Pakistan. Here, the nation will be governed by Dr BR Ambedkar’s Constitution, not by Mughal-era decrees." Thakur said no authority stood above India's constitutional law, which must prevail.
Apr 2, 2025 05:05 PM
Anurag Thakur flays Opposition
BJP MP Anurag Thakur, speaking in the Lok Sabha on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, lashed out at the Opposition for resisting the legislation. He argued that since the partition occurred on religious lines, the country cannot afford another division.
Apr 2, 2025 05:04 PM
Congress MP alleges govt aims to seize Waqf land
Congress MP Imran Masood accused the government of attempting to take control of Waqf land through the proposed amendments. He claimed that granting a ‘designated officer’ the authority to decide disputes without a fixed timeframe and categorising land as ‘partially’ or ‘fully disputed’ could lead to government takeover. He warned that Waqf properties, including graveyards and mosques, could be lost under the new provisions.
Apr 2, 2025 04:55 PM
INDI Bloc govts previously questioned Waqf ‘corruption’: Shrikant Shinde
During the Lok Sabha debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Shrikant Shinde highlighted past instances where leaders and state governments from the INDI bloc had raised concerns or initiated legal action over alleged corruption in Waqf properties and their management.
Apr 2, 2025 04:50 PM
Shrikant Shinde supports Bill, calls it 'empowering'
Shrikant Shinde, MP from Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), has expressed support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. He emphasised that the Bill aims at upliftment rather than appeasement, stating that it serves the nation as a whole and is not targeted for or against any particular religion.
Apr 2, 2025 04:46 PM
What does Mehbooba Mufti have to say on the Bill
#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
Apr 2, 2025 04:23 PM
'Will you allow non-Hindu in temple committee?' Shiv Sena (UBT) MP questions Centre
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant took a dig at Centre over Waqf Amendment Bill and questioned that whether the government would allow a non-Hindu in temple committee.
Apr 2, 2025 04:14 PM
Security beefed up in UP after Waqf bill tabled in Lok Sabha
Security has been beefed up in several districts of Uttar Pradesh following tabling of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 in Lok Sabha. A close watch on social media so that no unruly element is being surfaced.
Apr 2, 2025 04:09 PM
Asaduddin Owaisi to speak on Waqf bill at 6 pm
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP and party chief Asaduddin Owaisi to speak on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 at around 6 pm.
Apr 2, 2025 02:57 PM
Trinamool Congress opposes Waqf bill in Lok Sabha
Trinamool MP opposed the Waqf (Amendment) bill in Lok Sabha and said that the government has evil intentions.
Apr 2, 2025 02:45 PM
'Bill a conspiracy to snatch homes': Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has slammed centre and said that the bill only a conspiracy to snatch homes.
Apr 2, 2025 02:27 PM
Waqf bill brought to hide government's failure: Akhilesh Yadav
Waqf bill brought to hide government's failure, says Akhilesh Yadav
Apr 2, 2025 02:27 PM
Gaurav Gogoi accuses Centre of misleading House on Waqf Bill
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticised the Centre over the introduction of the Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha, alleging that Union Minister Kiren Rijiju misled the House while referencing the UPA’s 2013 rule. "What he said about 2013 is completely misleading," Gogoi added.
Apr 2, 2025 02:25 PM
Akhilesh Yadav: Waqf Bill introduced to hide govt's failures
Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, while addressing the Lok Sabha, criticised the BJP, alleging that the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill was introduced to divert attention from the failures of the ruling government.
Apr 2, 2025 01:34 PM
Waqf (Amendment) Bill to be renamed as UMEED Bill: Rijiju
Waqf Bill to be renamed as Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Bill: Rijiju
Apr 2, 2025 01:25 PM
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accuses govt of misleading House
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has accused government of misleading the house on Waqf bill when union minister referred to UPA rule in 2013
Apr 2, 2025 01:12 PM
'Sikh worship cites were declared Waqf': Rijiju
Kiren Rijiju while defending the bill said that even the Sikh worship cites were declared as Waqf.
Apr 2, 2025 01:06 PM
'No property claim under schedule 5 and schedule 6'
No property can be claimed on Waqf under schedule 5 and schedule 6 in a significant amendment to the bill.
Apr 2, 2025 01:01 PM
Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi arrives in parliament
Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Parliament as ruling government and opposition faces off over Waqf bill.
#WATCH | Delhi: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi arrives in Parliament
— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025
Discussion on the #WaqfAmendmentBill is underway in Lok Sabha pic.twitter.com/EqzX5jjaP4
Apr 2, 2025 12:54 PM
Congress would have given Parliament to Waqf: Kiren Rijiju
In a startling claim, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said that the Congress government would have given Parliament and aeven airport to the Waqf
Apr 2, 2025 12:48 PM
Pandemonium in Lok Sabha as Union minister Rijiju defends bill
The opposition launched a strong protest in Lok Sabha Union Minister Kiren Rijiju delivered his speech on the newly introduced Waqf Amendment Bill. Rijiju further clarified that the bill does not infringe upon the religious beliefs of the Muslim community.
Apr 2, 2025 12:43 PM
AAP issues three-line whip to its Rajya Sabha MPs
The Aam Aadmi Party has issued a three-line whip to its Rajya Sabha MPs to remain present in parliament from April 2-4, 2025 amid showdown over Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024.
Apr 2, 2025 12:38 PM
Opposition misleading and provoking critics: Union minister Rijiju
Union Minister Kiren Rijiji has alleged that the opposition is misleading and provoking the critics. He said, "When we are introducing positive reforms, why are we being questioned? Those uninvolved in the bill are being misled and provoked".
Apr 2, 2025 12:28 PM
INDIA bloc leaders launch protest over Waqf Amendment bill
Leaders from Congress and the INDI Bloc have expressed strong opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill amidst growing political tension.
Apr 2, 2025 12:27 PM
'We will start nationwide movement if bill is passed': AIMPLB spoksperson
AIMPLB has warned of starting a nationwide agitation if Waqf (Amendment) Bill is passed in Lok Sabha today.
"If this bill is passed in the Parliament, then we will start a nationwide movement against it. We won’t sit quietly. We will make use of all legal and constitutional provisions available to us. We will run a peaceful agitation until the proposed amendments are taken back..."
#WATCH | Delhi | On Waqf Amendment Bill, AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas says,"...If this bill is passed in the Parliament, then we will start a nationwide movement against it. We won’t sit quietly. We will make use of all legal and constitutional provisions… pic.twitter.com/v928FWF2Xk
— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025
Apr 2, 2025 12:24 PM
You are bulldozing the legislation: Congress MP Venugopal
Congress MP KC Venugopal while criticising the bill said that the ruling government is bulldozing the legislation
"This type of bill (Waqf Amendment Bill) that you are bringing into the House, at least the members has to have the power to give amendments...You are bulldozing the legislation. This is this type of legislation. You need to give time for amendment. There are several provisions to be given amendment. There is no time at all, " he said.
#WATCH | In Lok Sabha, Congress MP KC Venugopal says "This type of bill (Waqf Amendment Bill) that you are bringing into the House, at least the members has to have the power to give amendments...You are bulldozing the legislation. This is this type of legislation. You need to… pic.twitter.com/Ka9dtQ7wC6
— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025
Apr 2, 2025 12:19 PM
Speaker OM Birla asks Kiren Rijiju to table bill
Speaker OM Birla asked Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to present the bill amid government vs opposition face off in Lok Sabha
#WATCH | Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduces Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha. pic.twitter.com/BukG8RSqBT
— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025
Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 Live Updates: Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, naming it "UMEED" (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development).
The Bill received support from coalition partners TDP, JDU, and LJP. However, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant did not explicitly clarify his stance on the Bill during his speech.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed claims that non-Muslims would be included in Waqf management, stating that only individuals without religious affiliations would be appointed to the board.
During the discussion, Rijiju spoke for 58 minutes, highlighting that the Congress-led UPA government had transferred 123 prime properties to the Delhi Waqf Board on March 5, 2014, just before the Lok Sabha Elections, in an attempt to secure minority votes—an effort that ultimately failed.
Rijiju further argued that if this amendment Bill had not been introduced, even the Parliament building itself could have been subject to Waqf property claims. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for preventing numerous properties from being wrongly classified as Waqf assets.
A BJP MP stated that "the people of India seek freedom from the fear of Waqf."
AIMPLB threatens nationwide protests against the Bill
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) strongly opposed the Bill, warning of mass protests if it is passed in Parliament. Dr Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, AIMPLB spokesperson, declared that they would launch a nationwide, peaceful movement against the proposed amendments.
- PTC NEWS