LIVE | Rajya Sabha passes Waqf Bill after fiery debate between Centre, Opposition
The Bill also exposed chinks in the armour of Opposition parties as BJD and YSRCP chose not to issue a whip to their respective members
Following two days of a fiery debate in both Houses of Parliament, the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill for sweeping changes in the regulation of Waqf properties and settlement of disputes got Parliament’s approval early on Friday morning with the majority in Rajya Sabha also supporting the Bill.
The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 members voting in favour and 95 opposing it.
However, before its passage, it also exposed a chink in the armour of the Opposition parties. Two non-NDA parties signalled a shift in stance. BJD, which opposed the Bill, withdrew its whip and told its MPs to vote according to their conscience “in the best interest of justice, harmony and the rights of all communities”. Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP also said it had not issued a whip to its members.
The discussion witnessed staunch objections from Opposition parties, which termed the Bill “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional” with the government responding that the “historic reform” would benefit the minority community.
It was passed in the Lok Sabha early Thursday, with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it.
Parliament also approved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, with the Rajya Sabha approving it. The Lok Sabha has already given its nod to the Bill.
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Live Updates
- 4 April 2025 5:55 AM GMT
Shah hails Parliament's approval for Waqf Amendment Bill
Parliament's approval for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 ends years of injustice and corruption, ushering in an era of justice and equality, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday.
Shah's comments came hours after the Rajya Sabha gave its nod to the bill. The Lok Sabha approved the bill on Thursday.
"Today is a historic day, when Parliament has approved the 'Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025', ending the era of years of injustice and corruption and ushering in an era of justice and equality," he wrote on 'X' in Hindi.
The home minister said through the bill, the Waqf Board and Waqf properties are going to be more accountable, transparent and equitable and this will benefit the poor, women and children of the Muslim community.
"I congratulate the Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi and the Minister of Minority Affairs Shri @KirenRijiju for this important bill that gives justice to crores of people. Also, I express my heartfelt gratitude to all the parties and MPs who supported it," he said.
- 4 April 2025 5:53 AM GMT
LS adjourned till 12 noon as treasury benches protest against Sonia's remarks on govt
Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 12 noon on Friday amid high-pitched protest by treasury benches over remarks by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi against the government.
As soon as the House met for the day, members from the treasury benches started raising slogans such as "Sonia Gandhi maafi maango" (Sonia Gandhi apologise) over her remarks against the government.
The Opposition benches too raised slogans, demanding answers from the government over US tariff imposition.
Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House within minutes till 12 noon.
Hours after the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill, Sonia said the Bill was "bulldozed" through in the lower house. PTI
- 4 April 2025 5:30 AM GMT
BJP leader Tarun Chugh hails passage of Waqf Bill, attacks opposition
BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh hailed the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament and accused the opposition of consistently resorting to appeasement politics and neglecting the systemic issues plaguing Waqf property management.
He hailed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was brought by the BJP-led government at the Centre, calling it a "bold and historic" step towards streamlining and reforming the management of Wakf properties across the country.
Chugh said that the move reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's far-sighted vision of inclusive development under the mantra of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas." He asserted that by bringing much-needed transparency and accountability in the administration of Waqf properties, this would empower genuine beneficiaries and curb decades old exploitation.
- 4 April 2025 4:00 AM GMT
Waqf Bill will protect interest of tribals: Chhattisgarh CM
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday lauded the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, saying the legislation will prevent the illegal occupation of tribal land and protect the interest of the scheduled tribes.
In a series of posts on his 'X' handle, Sai accused the opposition of constantly trying to mislead the Muslim community on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and said it was highly condemnable.
The Parliament has approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after the Rajya Sabha gave its nod to the contentious legislation following an over 13-hour debate. The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 members voting in favour and 95 opposing it. It passed in the Lok Sabha early Thursday, with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it.
"Congratulations on the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in both Houses of the Parliament. The Bill is also important to protect tribal rights and their interests," he wrote.
The Bill provides that no property under the 5th and 6th schedule of the Constitution (tribal areas) can be declared as belonging to the Waqf board, and this will effectively stop illegal occupation of tribal land and protect tribal culture, Sai said, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He further alleged, "The opposition has constantly tried to mislead the Muslim community on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. It is highly condemnable. This Bill is not against any religion but strengthens the values of justice and equality. It is in the interest of poor minorities." The chief minister said the amendment is a historic step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties.
"This Bill is proof of the strength of India's democratic system. The way this Bill has been widely discussed shows the maturity of our Parliamentary discourse," he said.
Sai asserted that the purpose of this Bill is not to interfere in religious activities but to ensure administrative reform and judicial transparency. PTI
- 4 April 2025 3:51 AM GMT
Mayawati criticises 'hasty' passage of Waqf Bill, says BSP does not support it
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Friday criticised the central government for "rushing" the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, saying that the legislation should have been introduced only after addressing people's concerns and clarifying doubts.
Her remarks came after the Rajya Sabha passed the Bill late Thursday night, a day after its approval in the Lok Sabha, where the opposition strongly opposed it.
"After listening to both the ruling party and the opposition in Parliament on the Waqf Amendment Bill, the conclusion is that if the central government had given the public more time to understand the Bill and addressed all their concerns before bringing it forward, it would have been better," Mayawati posted on X in Hindi.
The BSP leader further expressed disappointment over what she termed as the government's "haste" in passing the Bill.
"It is unfortunate that the government hurriedly introduced and passed this Bill, which is not appropriate. Now that it has been passed, if governments misuse it, then the BSP will stand firmly with the Muslim community. In other words, the party does not support this Bill," she added. PTI
- 4 April 2025 3:21 AM GMT
JDU leader resigns from party over its stand on Waqf Bill
Senior JD(U) leader Mohammed Qasim Ansari on Thursday resigned from the party and all his posts, criticising the party's support for the Waqf Amendment Bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha despite widespread opposition.
In a letter to JD(U) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Ansari expressed deep disappointment, saying the party’s stance had shattered the trust of millions of Indian Muslims who believed JD(U) would uphold secular values.
In his letter to Kumar, he said, "Millions of Indian Muslims like us had unwavering faith in you as a flag bearer of a truly secular ideology. However, that belief has now been shattered. The stand taken by JD(U) on the Waqf Bill Amendment Act 2024 has deeply shocked millions of dedicated Indian Muslims and activists. We are extremely disheartened by the manner in which Lallan Singh delivered his speech and supported this bill in the Lok Sabha." PTI
- 4 April 2025 3:19 AM GMT
Bharat has won, says Goa CM on passing of Waqf (Amendment) Bill
Bharat has won, and the Constitution has prevailed, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, hailing the passing of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament.
The Parliament has approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as the Rajya Sabha gave its nod to the contentious legislation. It was passed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it.
In a post on 'X', Sawant on Thursday wrote, "Bharat has won! The Constitution of Bharat has prevailed! The Parliament of Bharat has passed the #WakfAmendmentBill 2025." He said the legislation reinforces that the law of the land shall prevail.
"It ensures that the Waqf Board operates with greater transparency, accountability, inclusive representation, and efficient management," he said.
Sawant congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and NDA partners for their leadership in initiating and passing this crucial bill in the Lok Sabha. PTI
