Parliament Budget Session Waqf Bill Highlights: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday took up the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, for consideration, incorporating recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee that reviewed the bill after it was tabled in August last year. Additionally, the House also discussed the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, for deliberation and passage. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced both bills for approval.
However, Congress MP KC Venugopal criticised the government, accusing it of rushing the process and not allowing enough time for opposition members to propose amendments.
On Tuesday, a united Opposition staged a walkout from the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, protesting against what they termed an insufficient discussion window. While the Opposition had requested 12 hours for debate, only eight hours were granted.
The discussion is scheduled to begin at noon in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, with Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expected to present the government’s stance and address concerns raised during the debate.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Stay tuned for latest developments from the Lok Sabha as the bill gets discussed
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: M.K. Stalin urges PM to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, stating that it would adversely impact the Muslim community. In his letter, Stalin emphasized that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to practice their religion, and it is the responsibility of elected governments to safeguard this right. He argued that the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995, overlook the constitutional protections granted to minorities and would significantly harm Muslim interests. Reiterating his opposition to the bill, Stalin called for Modi’s personal intervention, highlighting that the Tamil Nadu Assembly recently passed a resolution urging the Centre to withdraw the legislation.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Amit Shah highlighted corruption in Waqf properties
Amit Shah highlighted corruption in Waqf properties, stating that from 1913 to 2013, the land under the Waqf Board stood at 18 lakh acres. However, due to changes in the Act between 2013 and 2025, an additional 21 lakh acres were added, bringing the total to 39 lakh acres. He pointed out that while there were previously 20,000 leased properties, the latest records now show zero leased properties. Questioning this discrepancy, Shah asked where these properties had disappeared to and under whose authority they were sold, calling attention to corruption within the Waqf Board.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Amit Shah's key pointers in Lok Sabha
Amit Shah stated that the Waqf Bill is aimed at curbing ongoing corruption within the Waqf Board and is not anti-Muslim. He criticised those who preach secularism, urging them to get their facts right, and accused the opposition of engaging in fear-mongering for vote-bank politics. He emphasised that the bill does not interfere in Muslim affairs.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Amit Shah on Waqf debate
Home Minister Amit Shah stated that Waqf is a charitable endowment and emphasised that no non-Muslim would be part of it. He also accused certain groups of attempting to spread rumors and confusion regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill. Reaffirming his stance, Shah asserted his firm support for the bill.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: ‘No need to include non-Muslims in the Waqf,’ says, YSRCP’s Reddy
YSRCP’s Reddy voiced the party’s opposition to the bill, calling the proposed changes "unnecessary." He argued that there was no need to include non-Muslims in the Waqf Board and that the change in its name was unwarranted.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: LJP leader Bharti paid tribute to BR Ambedkar
LJP leader Bharti paid tribute to BR Ambedkar in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing his constitutional vision. She recalled his belief that no organization could be placed above the Constitution under the guise of religious faith.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Anurag Thakur calls Congress party 'kisaan virodhi'
BJP MP Anurag Thakur criticised the Congress party and the corruption within the Waqf Board, labeling them as "kisaan virodhi" and "mahila virodhi." He asserted that the Waqf’s revenue should amount to thousands of crores, but due to the opposition’s corrupt practices, it falls far short. Thakur also urged the Speaker to allow the official tabling of reports on these corrupt activities.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: 'Khaata na bahi, jo Waqf kahe, wahi sahi,' says Anurag Thakur
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Anurag Thakur addressing Lok Sabha
BJP MP Anurag Thakur, speaking in the Lower House, described the Waqf Amendment Bill as a step toward empowerment. He asserted that the time had come to amend the Waqf Act and liberate India from its fears.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Congress MP, Imran Masood on Waqf debate
Congress MP from Saharanpur, Imran Masood, took a dig at supporters of the Waqf Bill, stating that they wouldn’t be able to differentiate between “paak” and “naapaak,” questioning their credibility in deciding matters related to the Bill.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Congress MP, Imran Masood addresses Lok Sabha
Congress MP from Saharanpur, Imran Masood, took a dig at supporters of the Waqf Bill, stating that they wouldn’t be able to differentiate between “paak” and “naapaak,” questioning their credibility in deciding matters related to the Bill.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Shrikant Shinde on Waqf debate
Shrikant Shinde criticised parties opposing the Waqf Bill, pointing out that both TMC and AAP had previously demanded investigations into corruption within the Waqf Board. He claimed that the opposition is resisting the Bill because they fear their corrupt practices will be exposed if the proposed reforms are implemented.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Eknath Shinde says
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reaffirmed Shiv Sena's stance on the Waqf Board, stating, “Our position has always been clear… We will never compromise on our views for power or selfish interests. Our stand on the Waqf Amendment Bill is also firm—it is meant for the welfare and progress of the common people in the Muslim community.”
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan on Waqf Bill
“Amit Shah has stated that 130 Waqf properties are in prime locations, but what are the BJP’s true intentions? Do they plan to seize these properties, just as they did with the graveyard at Mata Sundri Road and the buildings behind Lal Masjid? If a property is not recorded as Waqf in the revenue records, the government will claim it as its own. The real question is: What does the government intend to do with these properties?”
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: MK Stalin writes to the PM
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has written to the Prime Minister, urging the Union Government to completely withdraw the proposed Waqf Bill 2024.
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin writes to the Prime Minister to urge the Union Government to completely withdraw the proposed Waqf Bill 2024 pic.twitter.com/swsx0MhzL7
— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: BJP does not have a single Muslim MP, says DMK MP
DMK MP A Raja criticises the BJP, pointing out that the party does not have a single Muslim MP to introduce the Waqf Bill. “And they are giving lectures on secularism,” he remarks.
He accuses the government of spreading falsehoods, arguing that the Bill goes against the Constitution and court verdicts. He further asserts that the Waqf Bill is unnecessary and will be detrimental to Muslims.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: TMC criticises the Bill
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee criticises the Waqf Bill, stating that it undermines the basic structure of the Constitution and is completely unwarranted.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Akhilesh Yadav on Waqf Amendment Bill
Here are the key pointers from Samajwadi chief, Akhilesh Yadav's speech in Lok Sabha:
– BJP introduces new Bills to divert attention from its past failures.
– On BJP's talk of women empowerment in the Waqf Bill, Akhilesh Yadav remarks, “Let’s see how many women candidates get tickets in the UP elections.”
– BJP's agenda revolves around polarisation and securing its votebank.
– The Waqf Bill threatens to undermine the country’s secular image.
Samajwadi Party chief, Akhilesh Yadav criticises the BJP government for naming the Bill ‘Umeed,’ pointing out that the party has yet to name its national president.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Akhilesh Yadav begins speech
"The BJP's curtain of not being able to do perform has now come in the garb of this bill," Akhilesh Yadav said.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Akhilesh Yadav addressing Lok Sabha
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav begins his speech in Parliament, criticising the bill's title, "Umeed."
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: 'Waqf Bill to be renamed as UMEED'
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced during his speech in Lok Sabha that the Waqf Bill will be renamed as Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Bill.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: 'Bill to divide Indian society', says Gogoi
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi condemned the government in the Lok Sabha, accusing it of using the Waqf Amendment Bill to erode constitutional values and sideline minority communities. Gogoi said, "This bill is not just about administrative changes; it is a deliberate effort to dilute the Constitution, defame minority communities, divide Indian society and ultimately disenfranchise minorities."
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Gogoi slams Centre over Bill
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said, "Our guiding light is India's Constitution. This bill is an assault on the Constitution. The Bill aims to defame minorities, aim to defranchise minorities."
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Rijiju ends speech with shayari
Rijiju said, “Some claim that the government will snatch Masjids and Dargahs — these were the people who claimed that Muslims’ citizenship would be snatched by CAA? Has that happened? Will you apologise for misleading people?”
“We will welcome your suggestions when we make the Rules or subordinate legislation. We have changed the definition to ensure that Muslims can govern their own properties through the Waqf Board or a Trust. We have become MPs not on the basis of religion. We represent all people of our constituency. How can we, then, ask how non-Muslims are being included in it? Because this is just property management; it is not about religion. Under this, a man can create a Waqf only on property fully owned by him. No one can deprive women and children of the family of their rights to create a Waqf.” he added further.
The Union Minister ended his speech with a shayari and urged Opposition to support the Bill. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi opened the debate from the Opposition's end.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: 'India has most Waqf properties in the world'
“Many believe that the Railways hold the most land, followed by the Defence sector, and then Waqf properties. However, this is a misconception. Railway tracks span across the country and serve everyone—they are not exclusive to the Railways but for public use. Similarly, Defence properties belong to the nation, with the armed forces merely safeguarding them. In contrast, Waqf properties are private endowments. India has the highest number of Waqf properties in the world,” said Kiren Rijiju.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: 'Not a religious issue,' Rijiju says
"I could cite many cases, but I'll highlight just three to make it clear that this issue is not about religion. The Kerala High Court ruled that the Waqf Board is a statutory body, not a representative body of the Muslim community. The Allahabad High Court held that a Mutawalli does not have proprietary rights and that his role is secular rather than religious. Similarly, the Rajasthan High Court ruled that the management of temple properties is purely secular. So, let’s put an end to the argument about why a non-Muslim can be included in a body related to Muslims," said Rijiju.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Opposition starts sloganeering
Opposition starts sloganeering as Kiren Rijiju presents the Bill in Lok Sabha. "No provision to interfere with any mosque management," he said. "This is simply related to property management," Rijiju added.
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: 'We are being questioned for introducing positive reforms', says Rijiju
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, leading the BJP's defense of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, justified the proposed changes, stating, "Why are we being questioned when we are introducing positive reforms? Those who have no direct involvement in the bill are being misled and provoked."
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: 'Our committees use their brains unlike Cong's', says Amit Shah
Home Minister Amit Shah slammed Congress during the Waqf Bill debate. He said, “The Cabinet approved a Bill and introduced it in Parliament. It was sent to the JPC, as the opposition wanted. The committee took a call on it and its recommendations went to the Cabinet. Kiren Rijiju ji is bringing its recommendations to the House. Our committees use their brain, unlike committees in the Congress times that just gave their stamp of approval."