Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday amid loud sloganeering from the opposition.
The Lok Sabha has scheduled an eight-hour debate on the bill, with the possibility of an extension.
However, opposition parties criticize the government for rushing the legislation, arguing that they did not receive enough time to propose amendments.
Earlier in the day, Rijiju declared Wednesday a ‘historic day’, emphasizing that the government introduced the bill in the national interest to benefit Muslims, women, and children.
Speaking to the media before the parliamentary session, Rijiju stated: “Today is a historic day as the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 is presented in the Lok Sabha. This bill, introduced in the national interest, will supported not only by millions of Muslims but by the entire country. Our commitment is to initiatives that benefit the nation, especially poor Muslims, women, and children. Those opposing it are doing so for political reasons. The rest of my arguments will be presented in the House.”
Key Features Of The Waqf Amendment Bill
Seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to address existing challenges and improve the management of Waqf properties across India.
Aims to streamline the functioning of the Waqf Board to ensure efficient administration.
Expands on the 2024 Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Waqf (Repeal) Bill, introduced to address similar governance issues.
The Union government first announced its intention to introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 on Tuesday.
Lawmakers tabled the bill shortly after Question Hour and engaged in a detailed debate lasting up to eight hours.
Despite the ongoing protests, the government remains hopeful of securing broad political support for the proposed amendments.
Stay tuned with Bharat Express for real-time updates.
Waqf Bill Live: Waqf Amendment Bill Not Retrospective, Clarifies Amit Shah
Amit Shah clarified in the Lok Sabha that the Waqf Amendment Bill will not have a retrospective effect. He addressed misconceptions, stating that the law would only come into effect after the government issues a notification post-passage, emphasizing that Muslims should not be scared by these false claims.
waqfamendmentbill | Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, “One more misconception is being spread, that this is coming with a retrospective effect. Speak with responsibility when you speak in this House. The Bill clearly states that the Law will come into effect after the… pic.twitter.com/cNXMSqtCQf
— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025
Waqf Bill Live: Amit Shah Shares Data on Land Expansion
Amit Shah shared that 18 lakh acres were under the Waqf board from 1913 to 2013, but from 2013 to 2025, an additional 21 lakh acres have been added. He countered opposition claims of misuse, emphasizing the expansion of Waqf land under the current regime.
Waqf Bill Live: Amit Shah Recalls Lalu Yadav’s 2013 Remarks, Says PM Modi Fulfilled His Wishes
Amit Shah recalled Lalu Yadav’s 2013 statement calling for a strict Waqf law to punish wrongdoers. Shah stated that Prime Minister Modi has fulfilled Yadav’s wishes by introducing such amendments, targeting those mismanaging Waqf properties.
Waqf Bill Live:
“I stand in support of the Bill introduced by my ministerial colleague. I have been carefully hearing the discussion going on since 12 noon…I feel that there are several misconceptions among several Members, either genuinely or politically. Also, through this House, attempts are being made to spread those misconceptions across the country.”
-Amit Shah
Waqf Bill Live: Amit Shah Clarifies Role of Non-Muslims in New Waqf Committee
Amit Shah clarified that non-Muslims will not be part of the new committee overseeing religious matters but will be responsible for administering Waqf properties. They will ensure these properties are managed according to the law and for the purpose they were donated, following opposition concerns over the inclusion of 12 non-Muslims on the board.
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