Jobaaj Stories
Waqf Amendment Bill Sparks Fierce Debate in Lok Sabha
India's Lok Sabha witnessed a dramatic late-night showdown over the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Passed after a grueling 12-hour debate, the bill, aimed at reforming the management of Waqf properties, has ignited a firestorm of protest from opposition parties, who label it “anti-Muslim”.
Opposition's Strong Condemnation
Over a dozen Muslim MPs, led by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, vehemently opposed the bill, arguing it undermines Muslim rights and allows government overreach. Owaisi dramatically tore up a copy of the bill, accusing the BJP of aiming to create religious conflict and marginalize Muslims. Other prominent voices, including Congress MPs Gaurav Gogoi and Imran Masood, and Samajwadi Party's Mohibbullah, echoed these concerns, questioning provisions requiring proof of five years of practicing Islam and granting a majority to non-Muslims on Waqf councils. The Congress party condemned the bill as an “attack on the Constitution,” violating Article 25, the right to freedom of religion. The DMK announced plans to challenge the bill in the Supreme Court.
Government's Defense and Next Steps
The ruling NDA defended the bill, asserting it promotes transparency and benefits the Muslim community. Union Home Minister Amit Shah denied allegations of retrospective effects and assured that no non-Muslims would be involved in managing religious institutions. However, the opposition's arguments about the bill potentially creating legal battles and undermining the autonomy of Waqf boards remain central to the ongoing controversy. The bill's fate now rests with the Rajya Sabha.
The Road Ahead
With the Rajya Sabha debate looming and Bihar elections on the horizon, the Waqf Amendment Bill is set to remain a significant political battleground. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has vowed legal action, and the opposition's strategy in countering the bill's passage will be crucial in shaping the narrative in the coming weeks. The differing perspectives – the government’s claims of improved governance versus the opposition’s fear of religious discrimination – highlight the deep divisions surrounding this legislation.
