Jobaaj Stories
Waqf Amendment Bill: A Contentious Debate in Indian Parliament
India's Parliament is embroiled in a heated debate surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Tabled by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the bill aims to modernize the administration of Waqf properties, introducing technology and enhancing transparency. However, the proposed changes have sparked significant opposition, particularly from parties in the Kashmir Valley and other opposition groups, who view it as an infringement on Muslim religious rights.
A Bill Born from Extensive Consultation (or So It's Claimed)?
Minister Rijiju touted the bill's development as the result of the largest-ever consultation process undertaken by a parliamentary panel in India's history. He cited over 97.27 lakh petitions and memorandums received, along with input from 284 delegations including Waqf boards, legal experts, and religious leaders. Despite this claim, opposition parties strongly contest the inclusivity of this consultation process.
Opposition Mounts Against the Waqf Amendment Bill
The opposition's response has been swift and unified. Parties like the National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the People’s Conference have vehemently condemned the bill, characterizing it as a discriminatory attack on the Muslim community and an attempt to seize control of Waqf properties. Mehbooba Mufti, PDP president, voiced concerns about the bill's potential to disempower Muslims, drawing parallels to concerning situations in other countries. Similar sentiments were echoed by Omar Abdullah and Sajad Lone.
Further fueling the controversy, several opposition MPs, including Gaurav Gogoi of the Congress party, questioned the bill's necessity and raised concerns about clauses requiring proof of practicing Islam for at least five years to dedicate property to Waqf. They criticized what they perceive as government overreach into religious matters and questioned the transparency and inclusiveness of the JPC's consultation.
Government's Stance and the Road Ahead
The government maintains that the bill aims solely to improve the management and utilization of Waqf properties for the benefit of the Muslim community, addressing inefficiencies and promoting transparency. The bill’s supporters argue that the previous UPA-era changes gave Waqf an overriding effect over other statutes, necessitating these amendments. However, the opposition remains unconvinced, and the bill's passage through Parliament remains uncertain, given the strong opposition across various political parties.
Conclusion: A Deeply Divisive Issue
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, represents a deeply divisive issue in Indian politics. While the government frames it as a measure to improve the administration of Waqf properties, the opposition views it as a targeted attack on the Muslim community. The coming days will determine the bill’s fate and the extent of its impact on the religious landscape of India. Further developments and the outcome of the parliamentary debate will be crucial to understanding the long-term implications of this legislation.
