Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 Highlights: Parliament passes Waqf Bill after heated debate in Rajya Sabha

Parliament gave its final approval to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 early on Friday, as the Rajya Sabha cleared the legislation after conducting a 13-hour discussion on it.

The Bill, which has attracted huge criticism from opposition parties and war termed as ‘’unconstitutional’’ and ‘’anti-Muslim’’. The government defended the opposition by calling it a ‘’historic reform’’ aimed for the welfare of minority communities.

The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha by receiving 12 votes in favour, and 95 votes were cast against it. The Bill was earlier passed in Lok Sabha on Thursday with 288 members backing it and 232 opposing it.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned at 4 am on Friday after sitting for 17 hours; the House is scheduled to resume at 11 am that day. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar commented on the late adjournment, terming it a ‘’rare occasion’’ for the House to disperse at 4:02 am and restart business just hours later.

The session started at 11 am on Thursday, April 3, and included the scheduled Zero and Question Hour proceedings.

BJP MP Ravi Kishan dismissed West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, stating that nullifying it was a distant concern. He asserted that Banerjee should focus on saving her government, as he believes the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is set for a major defeat this time.

Union Minister and West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar strongly criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her remarks on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

He accused her of engaging in divisive politics, stating, “People like Mamata Banerjee try to break India.” Majumdar argued that the existing Waqf Act has led to disputes between Hindus and Muslims in various parts of the country. He further alleged that Banerjee prioritizes appeasement politics over national interest, claiming, “If she needs to shake hands with Pakistan or Bangladesh to stay in power, she will not shy away from it. She only wants power.”

Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, criticized the BJP, accusing them of trying to take away the rights of minorities. Highlighting the narrow margin in voting—288 in favor and 232 against—Kharge argued that the Bill had significant flaws but was being pushed through forcefully. He emphasized that Waqf is about donations, not wealth accumulation, and pointed out that contributions come from people of all religions.

Kharge also questioned the government’s financial commitment to minorities, revealing that out of Rs 18,274 crore allocated over five years, Rs 3,574 crore remained unspent. He accused the BJP of continuously reducing the budget for minority welfare, citing the decline from Rs 4,700 crore to Rs 2,608 crore. He further criticised the government for scrapping key schemes like the Maulana Azad Scholarship, free coaching programs, and madrasa education support. He urged a reconsideration of these decisions, questioning how the BJP could claim to support minorities while slashing their welfare programs.

Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge strongly opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, warning that it could create disputes across the country. He urged the government not to treat the Bill as a matter of prestige and appealed to the Home Minister to withdraw it. Kharge emphasized that even the Constitution has been amended when necessary and questioned why the government refuses to correct its mistakes. Calling the Bill harmful to Muslims and unconstitutional, he reiterated that its provisions could sow divisions rather than bring reform.

Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, questioning the government’s sudden shift from the 1995 Act, which was earlier accepted with consensus. He accused the ruling party of misleading the public by claiming to introduce a new law while merely adding provisions that could harm minorities and the poor. Kharge stated, “This has nothing new except the clauses to destroy people,” underscoring his concerns that the Bill’s amendments were not aimed at reform but at targeting vulnerable communities.

Mohammed Kasim Ansari resigned from JD(U) over the party’s stand on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, expressing disappointment with Union Minister Lalan Singh’s statements. In a self-made video, Ansari accused Singh of misleading Muslims, particularly Pasmanda Muslims, by portraying the Bill as beneficial while avoiding any mention of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. He claimed this approach hurt the community, prompting his decision to resign. “I drafted my resignation letter overnight and shared it with the media and concerned people today,” he stated. His resignation underscores growing discontent within JD(U) over the Bill’s implications.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrives at the Parliament as the debate on Waqf Amendment Bill continues in the Rajya Sabha.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, questioning its selective approach despite the Prime Minister’s “one nation, one law” principle. He challenged the provision granting district magistrates (DMs) the power to resolve disputes, arguing that if the government is involved in a conflict, it should not be the sole arbitrator. Sibal raised concerns over fairness and transparency, questioning how it could be just for the government to resolve disputes in which it has a direct stake.

During his speech, MP Kapil Sibal referenced land under religious trusts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, emphasising the need for reforms within Hindu practices as well. He argued that improvements should be made in Hindu law, particularly regarding inheritance rights.

Sibal pointed out that in many cases, self-acquired property is passed down to sons rather than daughters. He urged the government to ensure gender equality by committing to legislation that guarantees daughters the right to inherit self-acquired property, calling for a firm commitment in the House to protect women’s inheritance rights.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during the discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, highlighted a land dispute involving an ancient temple and villagers in Tamil Nadu. She questioned how an 1800-year-old Sri Chandrasekhara Swamy Temple and its surrounding village, primarily inhabited by Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), got entangled in a Waqf Board-related controversy over 408 acres of land.

Sitharaman explained that villagers, who had been buying and selling land among themselves for generations, were suddenly told they needed a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the Waqf Board. She pointed out that even if the District Collector had mistakenly entered the details incorrectly during digitization, the Waqf Board should have clarified that it had no claim over the land. However, this did not happen, leaving villagers in distress.

She criticised the bureaucratic hurdles faced by poor residents, who were forced to seek unnecessary permissions for their own land. Sitharaman also raised concerns over the temple’s status, questioning whether the Waqf Board had any role in its establishment. She emphasized the need for clarity and fairness in land records to prevent such disputes from affecting local communities.

On the Waqf Amendment Bill, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot criticized the government, stating they are unnecessarily creating an issue to divert public attention. He compared it to the farm laws, which were passed without proper consultation and later repealed. Gehlot accused the government of making decisions and passing bills without considering stakeholders, highlighting a pattern of rushed policymaking without addressing concerns.

JP Nadda, Leader of the Rajya Sabha, accused the Opposition of attempting to obstruct the Waqf Bill introduced by the Narendra Modi-led government. Defending the Bill, he argued that Muslim nations have taken steps to make Waqf properties more transparent and digital, questioning why India cannot do the same.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has strongly criticized the Waqf Amendment Bill, accusing the government of using Muslim-related issues for political gains. He pointed out that since 2014, narratives like “Love Jihad” and “Flood Jihad” have been used to keep tensions alive. Sibal also highlighted changes in the bill regarding women’s reservation in Waqf Boards, arguing that such amendments should be made in the Hindu Code Bill instead. Questioning the concept of Waqf ownership, he asserted that property willingly donated should not be forcefully claimed, challenging the bill’s provisions on property rights and religious autonomy.

Grand Mufti of Jammu & Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, has strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it a betrayal of Muslims. He criticized the amendment, stating that an existing law had been unfairly altered, causing widespread unrest among the community. Highlighting that 232 members opposed the bill in Parliament, he argued that their concerns must be acknowledged. Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam announced plans to challenge the bill in the Supreme Court, emphasizing the need for collective consultation before proceeding. He affirmed that the legal action would be conducted on a large scale to protect Muslim interests.

Father Thomas Tharayil of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) expressed cautious optimism about the Waqf Amendment Bill, stating that its real impact will be evident only once it becomes law. He highlighted KCBC’s prior appeal to Kerala MPs to support specific clauses addressing concerns like the Munambam issue.

However, he noted with disappointment that they voted against it. While KCBC did not advocate for the entire bill, they sought support for provisions affecting local communities. Now that the bill has passed in the Lok Sabha, he hopes it will bring relief to affected people, especially in Munambam.

On Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan says, “… I had been in the Uttar Pradesh Waqf Ministry for some time. I saw nothing except litigations… In 1980, the Muslim Women’s Protection Act was passed… it said that if there was no one to look after a divorced woman, then she would be given an allowance from the Waqf Board. After two years, I asked in Parliament about the provision the Waqf Board made and how much money was granted as an allowance to divorced women… After two years, the answer was that any Waqf Board had made no provision, even for a single penny… The condition of the Waqf Board is that it has so many properties, and they have no money to pay salaries. So where is this money going? It means there is a mess somewhere, and it needs improvement. I don’t know if there is going to be any change or not, but changes are needed…”

Union Minister and BJP chief JP Nadda says, “It is said in Courts, ‘When you have got arguments, you are contended and you speak accordingly, and when you are lacking arguments, you raise your voice and try to sensationalise’. I saw that the debate was derailed and deviated. I saw this in Lok Sabha too yesterday…”

Union Minister and BJP chief JP Nadda says, “…I stand here in support of the Bill, and I hope that the House will also support it. Mujhe umeed hai ki UMEED (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development) ka samarthan hoga. The basic aim of this Bill is to bring in reforms and proper management of Waqf properties…A lot of discussions have been held over this…Clamours are being made to bulldoze this Waqf Bill that has been brought by the Government of India. As the national president of a responsible political party, I put a stop to this clamour and oppose this narrative…”

Reacting to the Waqf Amendment Bill, AIMIM National Spokesperson Waris Pathan said that it is a ‘dark day for the Muslims’. 

“We have seen ever since they have come to power, they have only spread hatred and this is one of the examples they have shown yesterday. This is totally an unconstitutional bill… This is a direct attack on Muslims and all they want to do is usurp our Waqf properties… We will continue our protest against this bill as per our constitution. We will take all legal routes… They have shown that they have got the strength and they will do whatever they want to. This is nothing less than dictatorship, and they have shown that… We will continue our protest till the Modi government takes it back…”

On AIMIM Chief Asasuddin Owaisi tearing the copy of Waqf Amendment Bill, he says, “He gave an example of Mahatma Gandhi that when he was aggrieved so he tore away a law of South Africa. His conscious also said that this bill is unconstitutional, the BJP is trying to divide the nation in the name of religion and so in protest, he tore apart the bill. What is wrong with it. I would also have done the same thing had I been in his place. No Muslim’s conscious would allow such laws to be passed. In fact, I would have torn it and thrown it into the air. This is a direct attack on our community…”

Chairperson of Delhi State Haj Committee, Kausar Jahan hails Bill

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray claimed that the Union government is eyeing the lands under Waqf board, and it may turn its attention to the land of temples, churches and gurudwaras next.

“The concern about the Muslim community shown by the BJP and its allies supporting the bill will put Pakistan founder (Muhammad Ali) Jinnah to shame,” he said. His remarks came as the BJP and the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde sought to corner the Sena (UBT) for `abandoning’ Hindutva and the ideals of party founder Bal Thackeray in not supporting the Waqf (Amendment) bill.

“You are eyeing Waqf land, but temple trusts, churches, gurudwaras too have land. You may be eyeing us (lands of Hindu temples) as well. The bill was brought just for land. We have opposed this sham,” said the former Maharashtra chief minister.

“If the Waqf bill is for the betterment of the Muslim community, who has abandoned Hindutva (by bringing it in),” Thackeray asked.

“What has the Waqf (Amendment) Bill to do with Hindutva? How will Hindus benefit from this?” he further said.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that the BJP brought the Waqf Bill to “divide the country”, and pledged to bring an amendment to nullify it when a “new government is formed after ousting the current regime”.

“When a new government is formed after ousting the current regime, we will bring a new amendment to nullify this Waqf Bill brought by the BJP,” she said, alleging that the BJP brought this Waqf Bill to divide the country.

“My MPs are in Delhi to speak on the Waqf issue. The ‘jumla party’ has only one agenda — to divide the country. They believe in ‘divide and rule’,” she alleged.

J&K JD(U) President GM Shaheen hailed the Waqf Amendment Bill, stating that it will bring transparency to laws related to Waqf properties.

“Transparency is good for the Muslims of the country, especially for those who were devoid of this. We were told of several such examples yesterday, there were several Waqf properties, dargahs that were converted into five-star hotels, especially in Jharkhand…The money would now remain in coffers. Those who looted that money, built homes with that money – we wanted freedom from all of that. It was essential to bring transparency into this. In the system so far, people had captured Waqf properties and they had made it a mode to earn money for personal reasons. This Waqf Bill was essential to end this. The opposition spoke about Muslim vote bank. We know that elections are about to take place in Bihar and there will be elections in two more states after that. But whatever is being done, is being done for the betterment of Muslims…”

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Nadimul Haque criticised the Waqf Amendment Bill calling it unconstitutional and in violation of Article 14 of the Constitution.

“This Bill mentions a condition that a person can create Waqf only after practising Islam for a minimum of 5 years. I want to ask – who will give a certificate that a person is a practising Muslim? This is unconstitutional and against Article 14,” he said.

BJP MP Radha Mohan Das on Wednesday alleged in the Rajya Sabha that the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), a wing of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), is distributing pamphlets nationwide to mislead the public about the Waqf Amendment Bill.

He claimed that protests erupted even before the bill was introduced, with demonstrators alleging that the BJP government intended to take control of mosques. “PFI’s wing SDPI is spreading misinformation across the country, claiming that mosques will be snatched from Muslims,” he stated.

On the Waqf Amendment Bill, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut says, “We have been able to see this fortunate day today only because of PM Narendra Modi…The whole country is happy today that Waqf will be regulated now, and then they will also be accountable. The bottom line is that no one is above the Constitution of the country.”

Reacting to the Waqf Amendment Bill, JKNC MLA Tanvir Sadiq said the move is direct interference in religious matters and an attempt to interfere with Muslim Waqf Board or Waqf properties.

“Why is it needed to be done only with Muslim Boards? My party and I think that this is wrong. As a Muslim-majority state, we oppose this. As National Conference party, we oppose this. I have also presented a resolution and requested the Speaker and all MLAs to support it so that the J&K Assembly can oppose this on 7th April. Because this is against the Constitution of this country…Omar Abdullah has called an emergency meeting, MLAs of the party as well as allies and Independents have been called to the meeting. A discussion will be held on this.”

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#watch | Speaking in Rajya Sabha on the Waqf Bill, Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain says, "...Those properties exist even today, and are in long usage, that is the proof of them being in Waqf...There is 'Waqf by user', temple by user, gurudwara by user...How will you ask for proof… pic.twitter.com/jcl8cVbX2A

— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2025