Congress workers during a protest rally against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, in Kolkata, on Thursday. PTI Photo
LIVE | Rajya Sabha passes Waqf Bill (128-95)
While the Opposition questioned the timing and intent of the govt, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reiterated that the Bill won’t step on the rights of the Muslim community
After a 13-hour debate, the Rajya Sabha has cleared the controversial Waqf Bill, with by 128 members voting in favour and 95 against.
The government maintained that the bill is not directed against Muslims, instead it only aims to bring greater transparency in the administration of Waqf properties, but the Opposition said it's a ploy to alineate the minority community.
While the Opposition MPs questioned the timing and intent of the Bill, Union Minister JP Nadda defended the Centre’s stand, wondering why India’s can’t do it when even Muslim countries like Iraq have amended the Waqf law.
In another development, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which earlier announced to oppose and vote against the contentious Bill urged its members to “exercise their conscience” during voting and chose not to issue any whip.
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Follow Live updates below:
Live Updates
- 2 April 2025 7:58 PM IST
Discussion to continue till all MPs whose names had been received for speaking during the discussion have made their submissions.
- 2 April 2025 7:32 PM IST
Provision for women in Waqf Board existed in 1995 Act: Congress MP Mohd Jawed
“They are talking about this Bill providing for women representation in the Waqf Boards as if this is a new addition when the fact is that this provision exists in the 1995 Act and the Central Waqf council as well as the UP Waqf Board are examples, both have 2 women members,” pointed out Congress MP Mohd. Jawed.
The Congress MP also pointed out that while the Centre and home minister spoke about strengthening the law to check theft and corruption, the Bill actually dilutes punishment as it provides for only simple imprisonment while the previous Act provided for rigorous imprisonment.
- 2 April 2025 7:29 PM IST
JPC proceedings were 'nothing but a mockery': Congress MP Mohd Jawed
Congress MP Mohd. Jawed said the JPC proceedings on the Waqf Bill were "nothing but a mockery", adding that members were neither given time to study all the suggestions that came from genuine stakeholders nor to have a clause-by-clause discussion on the Bill.
Jawed said the Bill will "push the society into a state of permanent polarisation" and the only intention of the government in bringing this Bill is to alienate Muslims further.
The Bill, Jawed says, is an assault on multiple Articles of the Constitution and while it is Muslims that are "being targeted and looted today, it would be other religious minorities later and before long, once all minorities have been looted, the Hindus won't be spared either" which is why it is incumbent on Muslims today to "stand and fight against this Bill".
- 2 April 2025 7:06 PM IST
Modi's govt works for every citizen, irrespective of religion: Amit Shah
“When we abolished Article 370, they (Opposition) said there will be unrest, “khoon ki nadiyan bahengi”. But today, Omar Abdullah has become CM there after a proper election. When we brought CAA, they said Muslims will lose citizenship. Not a single Muslim has lost citizenship.
Now they are spreading fear again about Waqf Bill. The Congress and its partners only believe in spreading fear and misinformation. I want to tell them, this is Narendra Modi’s government. It works for every citizen, irrespective of their religion,” said Amit Shah, concluding his speech in the Lok Sabha.
