Waqf Amendment Bill 2025: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024 in the Parliament on Wednesday. The bill was tabled in Lok Sabha after the Question Hour for consideration and passing. Following the introduction, an 8-hour discussion will be held. The allotted time may be extended and the outcome depends on the majority number on the floor. Deputy leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi will open the argument on behalf of the Congress during the debate on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. From BJP, MP Ravi Shankar Prasad will be the first speaker. BJP, Congress, and their allies had issued a whip to all their MPs to be present in the parliament on April 2 and 3.
Before the Waqf Bill was tabled, Congress leaders appealed in the House, stating that the Congress was given limited time to speak and that they received the bill’s copy late.
#WATCH | Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduces Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha. pic.twitter.com/BukG8RSqBT
— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025
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#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
Earlier In The Day
Ahead of the tabling of the bill, Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi discussed the Party’s stance on the bill with the party’s Lok Sabha MPs. The meeting was attended by Congress MPs Gaurav Gogoi, KC Venugopal, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, K Suresh and others. Congress’ meeting focused on strategizing to strongly present the Party’s stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill.
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday, ahead of the Waqf bill presentation, stated that some religious leaders are misleading innocent Muslims. “Many Congress leaders and opposition parties privately say that this Bill is needed, but they are opposing it for vote bank,” added Rijiju.
Meanwhile, Union Minister and RLD President Jayant Chaudhary (Part of NDA) extended support to the Waqf Amendment Bill. Speaking to ANI, Chaudhary said, “We are with NDA. We’ve issued whip.”
About Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
The bill was earlier presented in the Lok Sabha in August, 2024, following which a Joint Parliamentary Committee was formed under Jagdambika Pal’s leadership for further consideration. The House panel submitted its report on 13th February, 2025, which was approved by the Cabinet on the 19th. Later, the panel accepted 14 changes suggested by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The panel has reportedly rejected all 44 changes proposed by the Opposition.
With the parties in both the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance and the Opposition INDIA bloc showing no signs of bipartisan consensus building, the final outcome dependent on the majority numbers on the floor.
Objective Of The Waqf Bill, 2024
The Waqf Amendment Bill aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to redress the issues and challenges in regulating and managing Waqf properties. The Bill seeks to improve the administration and management of Waqf properties in India. It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous Act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards. This is set to be done by introducing changes such as renaming the Act, updating the definitions of Waqf, improving the registration process, and increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records.
The Waqf Act of 1995, enforced by the Central Government, currently regulates Waqf properties. The main administrative bodies are: 1) Central Waqf Council (CWC) – Advises the government and State Waqf Boards on policy but does not directly control Waqf properties. 2) State Waqf Boards (SWBs) – Manage and protect Waqf properties in each state. 3) Waqf Tribunals – Exclusive judicial bodies that handle disputes related to Waqf properties.
Notably, the Waqf Act of 1995, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.
Political Row Over The Bill
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju had earlier briefed BJP spokespersons on the Waqf Amendment Bill at the party’s headquarters. During the meeting, he presented a detailed overview of the bill. Rijiju reiterated that the bill doesn’t interfere with religious institutions’ freedom and is designed to give rights to those who previously lacked them.
The amendment bill has been strongly criticised by the opposition and repeatedly called it “unconstitutional.” They have accused BJP of attempting to “snatch” the rights of Muslims.
Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge opposed it, stating, “All the Opposition parties are united and shall work together on the floor of the Parliament to defeat the Unconstitutional and divisive agenda of the Modi Govt on the Waqf Amendment Bill.”
