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 3:03 AM GMT
Parliament's nod to Waqf Bill 'watershed moment': PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament as a "watershed moment" in the country's collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth.
He said this will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity.
In posts on X, he said the Waqf system for decades was synonymous with lack of transparency and accountability, especially harming the interests of Muslim women, poor Muslims and Pasmanda Muslims.
He said, "The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth." He added that the legislations passed by Parliament will boost transparency and also safeguard people’s rights.
PM Modi said India will now enter an era where the framework will be more modern and sensitive to social justice.
He said, "On a larger note, we remain committed to prioritising the dignity of every citizen. This is also how we build a stronger, more inclusive and more compassionate India." The prime minister thanked all the members of Parliament who participated in the parliamentary and committee discussions, voiced their perspectives and contributed to the strengthening of these legislations. He offered special thanks to the countless people who sent their valuable inputs to the Parliamentary committee.
He said, "Yet again, the importance of extensive debate and dialogue has been reaffirmed." The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill last night, a day after the Lok Sabha had given the contentious draft law, opposed strongly by a united opposition, its approval. PTI
