Waqf Bill Passed in Rajya Sabha After 12 Hours of Debate; Awaits Presidential Approval to Become Law

New Delhi: After an intense debate lasting over 12 hours, the Waqf Amendment Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha late on Thursday night. The bill received 128 votes in favor and 95 against. A day earlier, the bill had already been cleared by the Lok Sabha following a similar prolonged discussion. Now, it will be sent to the President of India for final approval before it becomes law.

PM Modi Hails Bill as a Major Reform

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it a significant reform. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday morning, he emphasized that the new law would enhance transparency and safeguard the rights of poor and marginalized Pasmanda Muslims.

PM Modi stated:

• “For years, Waqf properties have suffered from irregularities, disproportionately affecting Muslim women and the underprivileged. This new law will bring a solution to these issues.”
  

Key Political Reactions and Debate Highlights

The passage of the bill was met with both support and strong opposition in the Rajya Sabha.

• BJD’s Neutral Stance: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) did not issue a whip to its MPs, allowing them to vote based on their individual conscience.
  
• BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed during the debate that Waqf authorities had once staked a claim on the Taj Mahal, prompting the Supreme Court to reprimand them.
  
• Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the bill, stating that it was prepared after extensive discussions and modifications, ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and precision.
  

Congress’ Mallikarjun Kharge Opposes Bill

Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the bill, questioning the government’s intentions. He raised concerns over the allocation of Waqf lands and alleged that they might be handed over to corporate entities like Ambani and Adani.

Kharge also denied accusations regarding Waqf land ownership, saying:

• “I do not own even an inch of Waqf land. If Union Minister Anurag Thakur is making such claims, he must either prove them or resign.”
  

BJP’s Defense and Arguments for the Bill

• BJP National President JP Nadda urged all members of the Rajya Sabha to support the bill, emphasizing the importance of the UMEED (Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development) initiative.
  
• BJP MP Radha Mohan Das Agarwal highlighted PM Modi’s message, asserting that “Even if Muslims do not vote for BJP, their development should not be ignored.”
  

Opposition Voices Strong Dissent

• Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut remarked that the ruling party’s concern for Muslims seemed sudden and politically motivated.
  
• RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha argued that India’s Hindus and Muslims are interdependent, and such bills could disrupt communal harmony.
  
• AAP MP Sanjay Singh accused the government of targeting religious properties under the pretense of reforms.
  

Final Steps: Awaiting Presidential Nod

With its passage in both houses of Parliament, the Waqf Amendment Bill now awaits President Droupadi Murmu’s approval. Once signed, it will officially become law, introducing sweeping changes to Waqf property management across India.