The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill late into the night on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, following a marathon 12-hour debate.
Home Minister Amit Shah said the Muslim community that the new bill would not interfere with their religious practices, despite widespread concerns.
Shah also accused the Opposition of engaging in “fear-mongering” for political gain, aimed at securing votes. His remarks came as the debate intensified, with the Opposition raising objections and fears over the potential impact of the bill on Muslim rights and community properties.
The debate began on Wednesday afternoon and stretched past midnight, culminating in a division of votes. The bill was passed with 288 MPs in favor and 232 against.
The stage for the contentious discussion was set when Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the revised version of the bill, named the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Bill (UMEED).
This version of the bill proposes to bring reforms to the administration of Waqf properties, but has been met with opposition, particularly from parties concerned about its implications for Muslim community rights.
