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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Apr 04, 2025, 04:09:05 IST
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Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Congress leader Kharge demands inquiry into Manipur violence, asks govt to table White Paper in House
Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Union minority affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha for discussion and approval. The bill, formulated based on recommendations from a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), aims to enhance the administration of Waqf properties, integrate technology-driven management, simplify legal complexities, and promote transparency.
As soon as the Amendment Bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha, the member got engaged in the heated debate. Rijiju, during his arguments in the House, said that the Waqf Bill has been renamed as the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Bill.
Deputy leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi alleged that the Waqf bill is a deliberate effort to dilute the Constitution. During the ongoing debate, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad described the Waqf as merely a statutory body and questioned its contributions to public welfare. "The Waqf Board is simply a statutory entity. How many schools and hospitals have been built on its properties?" he asked, challenging its role in serving the community.
Akhilesh Yadav, during his argument over the Waqf bill, took a jibe at the BJP that triggered a political tussle with a tinge of humor. He said, "The party that calls itself the world's largest party has not yet been able to choose its national president."
Meanwhile, Union home minister Amit Shah targeted the Congress for allegedly spreading misinformation on the Waqf Amendment Bill and assured that the legislation does not seek to interfere in Muslims' religious matters.
"That the Waqf bill is interference in Muslims' religious matters and properties donated by them is fear-mongering for vote-bank," he said, as he participated in the debate on the legislation in the Lok Sabha.
As the debate continued, the AIMIM chief Owaisi rejected the Waqf Amendment Bill and termed it as the "unconstitutional." He said, "In this country, the BJP wants to create conflicts in the name of temples and mosques."
Stay with TOI for all the live updates
As soon as the Amendment Bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha, the member got engaged in the heated debate. Rijiju, during his arguments in the House, said that the Waqf Bill has been renamed as the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Bill.
Deputy leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi alleged that the Waqf bill is a deliberate effort to dilute the Constitution. During the ongoing debate, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad described the Waqf as merely a statutory body and questioned its contributions to public welfare. "The Waqf Board is simply a statutory entity. How many schools and hospitals have been built on its properties?" he asked, challenging its role in serving the community.
Akhilesh Yadav, during his argument over the Waqf bill, took a jibe at the BJP that triggered a political tussle with a tinge of humor. He said, "The party that calls itself the world's largest party has not yet been able to choose its national president."
Meanwhile, Union home minister Amit Shah targeted the Congress for allegedly spreading misinformation on the Waqf Amendment Bill and assured that the legislation does not seek to interfere in Muslims' religious matters.
"That the Waqf bill is interference in Muslims' religious matters and properties donated by them is fear-mongering for vote-bank," he said, as he participated in the debate on the legislation in the Lok Sabha.
As the debate continued, the AIMIM chief Owaisi rejected the Waqf Amendment Bill and termed it as the "unconstitutional." He said, "In this country, the BJP wants to create conflicts in the name of temples and mosques."
Stay with TOI for all the live updates
04:09 (IST) Apr 04
Political sallies of the opposition cannot heal wounds of those marred by violence in Manipur
04:03 (IST) Apr 04
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11 am
03:59 (IST) Apr 04
Shah in Rajya Sabha accuses TMC of double standards on violence against women
03:32 (IST) Apr 04
Manipur burning for nearly 2 years, govt has failed to stop violence: Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge in Rajya Sabha
03:32 (IST) Apr 04
Supreme Court judges, NGOs visited Manipur, but prime minister did not: Kharge in Rajya Sabha
03:32 (IST) Apr 04
BJP has no plans to bring peace in Manipur: Kharge in Rajya Sabha
02:43 (IST) Apr 04
The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024’ passed in the Rajya Sabha
02:38 (IST) Apr 04
Rajya Sabha passes Waqf Bill with 128 votes in favour
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 has been passed in the Rajya Sabha after hours of heated debates. The bill was passed with 128 votes in favour, 95 votes against the Bill.
02:36 (IST) Apr 04
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 passed in the Rajya Sabha; 128 votes in favour of the Bill, 95 votes against the Bill
02:06 (IST) Apr 04
Rightful ownership of land should be fully restored to people of Munambam: Kurian
Minister of state for minority affairs George Kurian on Friday demanded that the land claimed by the Waqf Board in Kerala's Munambam be returned to its rightful owners. During a discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Rajya Sabha, Kurian said the Waqf Board has to show the deed to prove its ownership.
"The rightful ownership of the land should be fully restored to the people of Munambam. Any provision of law that contradicts the principle of the Indian Constitution must be amended. The right of a religious minority as guaranteed by the Constitution should be safeguarded," Kurian said.
In Cherai and Munambam villages in Ernakulam district of Kerala, residents have alleged that the Waqf Board is illegally asserting ownership over their lands and properties, despite having registered deeds and land tax payment receipts.
"The rightful ownership of the land should be fully restored to the people of Munambam. Any provision of law that contradicts the principle of the Indian Constitution must be amended. The right of a religious minority as guaranteed by the Constitution should be safeguarded," Kurian said.
In Cherai and Munambam villages in Ernakulam district of Kerala, residents have alleged that the Waqf Board is illegally asserting ownership over their lands and properties, despite having registered deeds and land tax payment receipts.
01:26 (IST) Apr 04
The Waqf Board is a statutory body and why should only Muslims be included in the statutory body? If there is a dispute between Hindus and Muslims, how will that dispute be resolved?... There can be disputes with non-Muslims in the Waqf Board as well...The statutory body should be secular and people of all religions should be represented.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju in Rajya Sabha
01:19 (IST) Apr 04
Waqf Board is statutory body and should be secular, still we restricted number of non-Muslims on it: Minister Kiren Rijiju in RS
01:19 (IST) Apr 04
We are not scaring Muslims with Waqf Bill, it's opposition parties: Minister Rijiju in Rajya Sabha
01:16 (IST) Apr 04
Voting for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is underway in Rajya Sabha
00:57 (IST) Apr 04
Union minister Kiren Rijiju replies to Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha
00:40 (IST) Apr 04
Waqf Amendment Bill brought for benefit of poor Muslims: Sudhanshu Trivedi in RS
BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Thursday said the Waqf Amendment Bill has been brought for the benefit of poor Muslims and attacked opposition parties for appeasement politics. Participating in a discussion on the Bill in Rajya Sabha, Trivedi said the government is supporting the poor Muslims who will feel obliged for the favour in times to come.
"This fight is between Sharafat Ali and Shararat Khan. Our government is standing with Sharafat Ali and we are with poor Muslims," Trivedi said.
"Our government has supported the poor Muslims and not so called fanatic and fundamentalist thekedars (leaders) in this fight," he added.
Accusing the Congress of indulging in appeasement politics, Trivedi said the Congress always weighs its option on which minority to support based on their vote bank strength and cited the objections raised by the Catholic church against the Muslim bodies over land disputes.
He also wondered how land claims of Waqf board have been legitimised during the previous regimes when the British had taken over all the land that once belonged to the Mughals. He questioned why the lands of Sikhs and Hindus were not retrieved in the same way as it was done for Muslims.
Trivedi lamented that the community which was once known by noted singers, lyricists and musicians is today eulogising those speak against the country.
"Jab azadi mili toh Muslim samaj ke prateek kaun the, Bismillah Khan, Ustad Fariduddin Dagar, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Hasrat Jaipuri, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Kaifi Azmi, Sahir Ludhianvi and Jigar Muradabadi. Ab kya ho gaya.
"Tub Muslim samaj in 'adab-ke-sahagaron' ke saath joda jaata tha, aaj Muslim samaj ka netritva kin logon ke saath jodta hai -- Israt Jahaan, Yakub Menon, Mukhtar Ansari, Atiq Ahmed, Dawood Ibrahim. Kaun jod raha hai yeh, tubse sir jabse ye secular ho gaya desh...1976 se. Aur secular siyasat shuru hui," Trivedi said.
"This fight is between Sharafat Ali and Shararat Khan. Our government is standing with Sharafat Ali and we are with poor Muslims," Trivedi said.
"Our government has supported the poor Muslims and not so called fanatic and fundamentalist thekedars (leaders) in this fight," he added.
Accusing the Congress of indulging in appeasement politics, Trivedi said the Congress always weighs its option on which minority to support based on their vote bank strength and cited the objections raised by the Catholic church against the Muslim bodies over land disputes.
He also wondered how land claims of Waqf board have been legitimised during the previous regimes when the British had taken over all the land that once belonged to the Mughals. He questioned why the lands of Sikhs and Hindus were not retrieved in the same way as it was done for Muslims.
Trivedi lamented that the community which was once known by noted singers, lyricists and musicians is today eulogising those speak against the country.
"Jab azadi mili toh Muslim samaj ke prateek kaun the, Bismillah Khan, Ustad Fariduddin Dagar, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Hasrat Jaipuri, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Kaifi Azmi, Sahir Ludhianvi and Jigar Muradabadi. Ab kya ho gaya.
"Tub Muslim samaj in 'adab-ke-sahagaron' ke saath joda jaata tha, aaj Muslim samaj ka netritva kin logon ke saath jodta hai -- Israt Jahaan, Yakub Menon, Mukhtar Ansari, Atiq Ahmed, Dawood Ibrahim. Kaun jod raha hai yeh, tubse sir jabse ye secular ho gaya desh...1976 se. Aur secular siyasat shuru hui," Trivedi said.
00:22 (IST) Apr 04
Pasmanda Muslims will get representation in Waqf Board for first time: JD(U) MP
The Pasmandas, which constitute 73 per cent of the total Muslim population of Bihar, will get representation in the Waqf Board for the first time once the law comes into force, JD(U) member Sanjay Kumar Jha said on Thursday. During a discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Rajya Sabha, Jha said canards were being spread in the Muslim community about their mosques, Eidgahs, and burial grounds coming under threat due to the Bill. However, the discussion has cleared the air, he added.
He said most disputes related to the Bill are over selling land and self-consumption of 90 per cent of the rent.
"They (Pasmandas) feel that once this law is implemented, work will be done for poor Muslims in the true sense," Jha said
He said Bihar is the only state that has carried out a caste census and highlighted that 73 per cent of the total Muslim population in Bihar is Pasmanda.
He said most disputes related to the Bill are over selling land and self-consumption of 90 per cent of the rent.
"They (Pasmandas) feel that once this law is implemented, work will be done for poor Muslims in the true sense," Jha said
He said Bihar is the only state that has carried out a caste census and highlighted that 73 per cent of the total Muslim population in Bihar is Pasmanda.
00:12 (IST) Apr 04
Former PM Deve Gowda backs Waqf Bill, says it protects underprivileges Muslims
Veteran parliamentarian and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda spoke in the Rajya Sabha, strongly supporting the new Waqf Bill on Thursday. This bill protects poor Muslims from their own rich (well-off ones), he underlined.
He clarified that the Bill does not interfere with Muslim religious practices but strictly deals with revenue and administration matters.
"The new Waqf Bill does not interfere with Muslim religious practices. This is very important to remember," he asserted.
The bill, he explained, aims to regulate the administration of properties under Waqf Boards, which currently control 8.7 lakh properties spanning 9.4 lakh acres across India. These assets, estimated to be worth Rs 1.2 lakh crore, have been mismanaged due to vested interests.
"This bill protects poor Muslims from their own rich (well-off ones). In the interest of justice, the new bill has been aligned with the basic principles of our Constitution," Deve Gowda emphasised.
He clarified that the Bill does not interfere with Muslim religious practices but strictly deals with revenue and administration matters.
"The new Waqf Bill does not interfere with Muslim religious practices. This is very important to remember," he asserted.
The bill, he explained, aims to regulate the administration of properties under Waqf Boards, which currently control 8.7 lakh properties spanning 9.4 lakh acres across India. These assets, estimated to be worth Rs 1.2 lakh crore, have been mismanaged due to vested interests.
"This bill protects poor Muslims from their own rich (well-off ones). In the interest of justice, the new bill has been aligned with the basic principles of our Constitution," Deve Gowda emphasised.
00:02 (IST) Apr 04
BJP trying to sow seeds of conflict through Waqf bill, urge govt to withdraw it: Kharge
Mallikarjun Kharge said the Waqf bill is meant to " harass" the minorities. Had it been changed from the 1995 Act, we would have accepted it. There is nothing in the bill and people are opposing it, he added.
He said the BJP had accepted the 1995 Act and there was no need for bringing amendments with clauses aiming to "afflict people with problems".
Opposing certain provisions of the bill, the Congress leader said the survey commissioner and additional commissioner who conduct the preliminary survey of the property have been replaced with the collector.
He said the BJP had accepted the 1995 Act and there was no need for bringing amendments with clauses aiming to "afflict people with problems".
Opposing certain provisions of the bill, the Congress leader said the survey commissioner and additional commissioner who conduct the preliminary survey of the property have been replaced with the collector.
23:41 (IST) Apr 03
Turmoil in JD(U) over Waqf issue, party says those claiming to resign not part of rank and file
At least two 'persons' in Bihar on Thursday announced their "resignation" from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U), voicing dissatisfaction with the party's support to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill brought by Narendra Modi government at the Centre. Expressing dismay over the development, JD(U) national spokesman Rajiv Ranjan Prasad claimed neither Mohammed Qasim Ansari, who hails from East Champaran, nor Jamui resident Nawaz Malik was a part of "our rank and file".
In a letter that has gone viral on social media, Ansari claims to be JD(U)'s medical cell president in East Champaran and the party's Dhaka assembly candidate.
Interestingly, Dhaka was not contested by the JD(U) in 2020, when the seat was won by ally BJP's Pawan Jaiswal.
In a letter that has gone viral on social media, Ansari claims to be JD(U)'s medical cell president in East Champaran and the party's Dhaka assembly candidate.
Interestingly, Dhaka was not contested by the JD(U) in 2020, when the seat was won by ally BJP's Pawan Jaiswal.
23:21 (IST) Apr 03
'We have given this Bill-'UMEED' name but some people dreamt of 'UMAH'': BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi
Speaking on Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Rajya Sabha, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi says, “We have given this Bill- ‘UMEED’ name but some people dreamt of ‘UMAH’. ‘UMAH’ means an entire Islamic nation. People who wanted ‘UMEED’ are seeing the ray of hope, however, those who wanted ‘UMAH’ can be seen disappointed.”
23:07 (IST) Apr 03
A lot of people have complaints regarding the Waqf Bill. People from the NDA are supporting it forcefully, and that is why people are resigning (Mohammed Kasim Ansari from the JD(U)). They will face a huge loss in Bihar.
Congress MP Rajiv Shukla
22:50 (IST) Apr 03
We are opposing this Waqf Bill. The citizen of country is opposing this. This Bill is an attack on Constitution. It was passed in a hurry yesterday.
Congress leader Irfan Ansari
22:48 (IST) Apr 03
BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha
Speaking on Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Rajya Sabha, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi said, “... JP Nadda ji already said that our Waqf committee worked in a very detailed manner for this Bill. Waqf isn’t there in several Islamic nations like Indonesia, Turkey, Iraq, and Syria, so why is it here in India? If we talk about India, then do Sikhs, Parsis and Christians have such powers?”
21:58 (IST) Apr 03
They accepted the 1995 Act with a consensus. Today, the same people say that it was not good, and they are forming a new law for the poor and minorities… Still, you want to say that you have brought a new Bill. This has nothing new except the clauses to destroy people.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Rajya Sabha
21:53 (IST) Apr 03
Kharge questions Waqf Bill on membership rules for non-Muslims
Kharge questions the Waqf Bill’s membership rules for non-Muslims, drawing comparisons to Hindu trusts like the Ram Mandir Trust and Tirupati Temple Trust, where Muslims cannot be members. He asks, if Hindu trusts restrict membership to their own faith, why should Waqf allow members from other religions?
21:35 (IST) Apr 03
AJSU terms Waqf (Amendment) Bill 'historic move'
AJSU party chief Sudesh Mahto on Thursday supported the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and termed it a "historic move". He said his party's MP supported the Bill in the Lok Sabha and also offered a suggestion to improve it.
"The party MP (Chandra Prakash Choudhary) gave his support to the bill on Wednesday and also made a suggestion, which was to include the participation of the poor and women of the community in it," Mahto said, addressing media persons on the sidelines of a divisional-level workshop to strengthen the party, which is a part of the NDA.
He said that the amendment was necessary. "I would say it is a historic move. It should not be seen from the perspective of votes," he added.
"The party MP (Chandra Prakash Choudhary) gave his support to the bill on Wednesday and also made a suggestion, which was to include the participation of the poor and women of the community in it," Mahto said, addressing media persons on the sidelines of a divisional-level workshop to strengthen the party, which is a part of the NDA.
He said that the amendment was necessary. "I would say it is a historic move. It should not be seen from the perspective of votes," he added.
21:02 (IST) Apr 03
Parliament passes Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025
Parliament on Thursday approved the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025 that will help boost the aircraft leasing industry in India, which is one of the world's fastest growing civil aviation markets. The bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha on April 1.
The Lok Sabha cleared the bill by voice vote on Thursday.
Replying to a discussion on the bill, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said the bill will help improve the cost efficiency for airlines as well as in faster expansion of planes through leasing of aircraft.
The bill will provide legal backing for the Cape Town Convention that mainly pertains to the leasing of aircraft.
There have been inconsistencies in leasing regulations for aircraft.
Under the Cape Town Convention, lessors can take back the possession of aircraft leased to airlines.
The Lok Sabha cleared the bill by voice vote on Thursday.
Replying to a discussion on the bill, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said the bill will help improve the cost efficiency for airlines as well as in faster expansion of planes through leasing of aircraft.
The bill will provide legal backing for the Cape Town Convention that mainly pertains to the leasing of aircraft.
There have been inconsistencies in leasing regulations for aircraft.
Under the Cape Town Convention, lessors can take back the possession of aircraft leased to airlines.
20:59 (IST) Apr 03
The Waqf Amendment Bill is in the interest of the country. The government has done this to prevent exploitation of people... No one is being targeted.
Union minister Jual Oram
20:46 (IST) Apr 03
Kapil Sibal on Waqf Bill
On Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal said, "It is the PM who talks about one nation, one law, then why are they bringing this selective law? Why are they giving the DM this power to resolve disputes? If there is a dispute with the government, then the government itself will resolve it... How is it right?
20:42 (IST) Apr 03
Lalu responds to Amit Shah's jibe on Waqf Bill
A day after Union home minister Amit Shah's taunt that Waqf (Amendment) Bill "fulfilled the wishes of RJD president Lalu Prasad", the former Bihar CM on Thursday came out with a riposte. Shah made the remark in Lok Sabha, referring to a speech by Prasad in 2013, when the latter was a member of the House, and had called for "more stringent" amendments to the Waqf introduced by the Congress-led UPA government, of which the RJD was a part.
Prasad shared a short video clip of the speech on his X handle, lambasting "ignorant fools of BJP and Sangh", but avoiding mention of Shah or any other leader by name.
"I had stood for a stringent law for protecting Waqf land, which you are trying to grab", wrote the RJD supremo who last week attended a 'dharna' staged by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board in protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
Prasad shared a short video clip of the speech on his X handle, lambasting "ignorant fools of BJP and Sangh", but avoiding mention of Shah or any other leader by name.
"I had stood for a stringent law for protecting Waqf land, which you are trying to grab", wrote the RJD supremo who last week attended a 'dharna' staged by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board in protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
20:12 (IST) Apr 03
TDP outlines stance on Waqf Bill, advocates for Muslim welfare, flexibility for states to decide Waqf board composition
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Thursday released a statement outlining its official stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, reflecting the party's "constructive position" and "deep connection with the Muslim community."
During the discussion on the matter in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, party MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti underscored TDP's four-decade-long commitment to Muslim empowerment, positioning the party's stance as both progressive and community-focused as the bill, passed in the Lok Sabha, now heads to the Rajya Sabha.
In his speech in Lok Sabha, Tenneti emphasised the TDP's constructive role since the bill's introduction, stating, "The TDP advocated for the establishment of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for deeper deliberations with all sections."
Highlighting the party's contributions, he noted, "During the course of these deliberations, TDP suggested three important amendments keeping in view the welfare of muslims. One of these was the prospective applicability of the waqf-by-user clause. Another was the dispute resolution by an officer above the rank of collector."
During the discussion on the matter in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, party MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti underscored TDP's four-decade-long commitment to Muslim empowerment, positioning the party's stance as both progressive and community-focused as the bill, passed in the Lok Sabha, now heads to the Rajya Sabha.
In his speech in Lok Sabha, Tenneti emphasised the TDP's constructive role since the bill's introduction, stating, "The TDP advocated for the establishment of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for deeper deliberations with all sections."
Highlighting the party's contributions, he noted, "During the course of these deliberations, TDP suggested three important amendments keeping in view the welfare of muslims. One of these was the prospective applicability of the waqf-by-user clause. Another was the dispute resolution by an officer above the rank of collector."
19:44 (IST) Apr 03
'Against Indian Muslims': JD(U) leader Mohammed Qasim Ansari resigns over party's stand on Waqf Bill
Senior JD(U) leader Mohammed Qasim Ansari has resigned from the party and all his posts on Thursday, citing disappointment over JD(U)'s stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.
In a strongly worded resignation letter to party leader Nitish Kumar, Ansari expressed deep dismay, stating that the party’s position had shattered the faith of millions of Indian Muslims.
"I am disheartened that I gave several years of my life to the party," his letter read.
In a strongly worded resignation letter to party leader Nitish Kumar, Ansari expressed deep dismay, stating that the party’s position had shattered the faith of millions of Indian Muslims.
"I am disheartened that I gave several years of my life to the party," his letter read.
19:39 (IST) Apr 03
Bring a law ensuring that individuals of the Hindu religion cannot will their self-acquired property solely to their sons; daughters must also receive an equal share. Make a commitment to this in the House.
Kapil Sibal
19:14 (IST) Apr 03
I had been in the Uttar Pradesh Waqf Ministry for some time. I saw nothing except litigations... In 1980, the Muslim Women's Protection Act was passed... it said that if there was no one to look after a divorced woman, then she would be given an allowance from the Waqf Board. After two years, I asked in Parliament about the provision the Waqf Board made and how much money was granted as an allowance to divorced women... After two years, the answer was that any Waqf Board had made no provision, even for a single penny... The condition of the Waqf Board is that it has so many properties, and they have no money to pay salaries. So where is this money going? It means there is a mess somewhere, and it needs improvement. I don't know if there is going to be any change or not, but changes are needed.
Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan
18:47 (IST) Apr 03
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday rejected the Waqf Amendment Bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha with 288 votes in favour, and claimed that once the BJP-led regime was ousted, they would nullify the law.
The controversial bill passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after a marathon 12-hour debate, securing 288 votes in favor and 232 against. The BJP received support from its allies, including the TDP, JD(U), Shiv Sena, and LJP.
The controversial bill passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after a marathon 12-hour debate, securing 288 votes in favor and 232 against. The BJP received support from its allies, including the TDP, JD(U), Shiv Sena, and LJP.
18:29 (IST) Apr 03
This is not law; in legal terms, it is 'arbitrary': Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Waqf Bill
18:26 (IST) Apr 03
'They should present arguments on how it is unconstitutional': LJP (RV) MP Shambhavi Choudhary on Waqf Bill
On the Waqf Amendment Bill, LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary said, "This is absolutely not unconstitutional. It went to the JPC, where many members of the Congress party were present, and their suggestions were also included in it... just because the opposition has something to say, they are calling it unconstitutional. They should present arguments on how it is unconstitutional?... The way they are trying to mislead the country is wrong."
17:55 (IST) Apr 03
This polity has to be understood. 50-100 years later we will not be there but the course of action we take today, that is going to make India strong.
Union minister Jagat Prakash Nadda
17:50 (IST) Apr 03
Union minister and senior BJP leader Giriraj Singh launched a sharp attack on Congress on Thursday over the Waqf Amendment Bill, invoking a Hindi proverb to criticise the party's past actions.
"There is a saying, '100 choohe kha kar billi Haj ko chali.' Congress party's history has been dark, there is nothing bigger than Emergency. In 2013, ahead of elections, they gave away 123 properties in Lutyens' Delhi to Waqf, overnight. This shows who crosses the limits of appeasement, who writes a black chapter..." Singh said.
"There is a saying, '100 choohe kha kar billi Haj ko chali.' Congress party's history has been dark, there is nothing bigger than Emergency. In 2013, ahead of elections, they gave away 123 properties in Lutyens' Delhi to Waqf, overnight. This shows who crosses the limits of appeasement, who writes a black chapter..." Singh said.
17:42 (IST) Apr 03
Full confidence in passing of bill, the Bill is nation's interest, not in any party's interest or for appeasement politics.
BJP MP Jagat Prakash Nadda
17:35 (IST) Apr 03
'We don't do lip service': JP Nadda attacks opposition in Rajya Sabha amid Waqf Bill debate
17:27 (IST) Apr 03
This Amendment Bill is in favour of the Muslims... I myself own a trust and I also have to go through an audit, then why was Waqf Board the only one not giving proper audits?... There are multiple cases where Waqf Board used to put up hoardings claiming lands randomly... Even Muslims living in such lands used to get assaulted and thrown out... These lands were used for the greed of some categorised people... This Bill is supported by entire Muslim community and Parliament... Now the Muslims are becoming a part of the nations' progress, while earlier they used to be suppressed under the issues like Waqf Boad, Personal Law Board.
BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya
17:20 (IST) Apr 03
Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday launched a blistering attack at Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray for opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill, accusing him of straying from Hindutva and Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology.
Speaking to the media, Shinde described the opposition to the bill as the "biggest crime."
"By opposing this, UBT has revealed its true face. It has been proven that they have completely abandoned Hindutva and the ideals of Balasaheb Thackeray. This is extremely unfortunate. It is a bigger crime than the betrayal in 2019 when he (Uddhav Thackeray) formed a government with Congress, forsaking Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology," Shinde said.
Speaking to the media, Shinde described the opposition to the bill as the "biggest crime."
"By opposing this, UBT has revealed its true face. It has been proven that they have completely abandoned Hindutva and the ideals of Balasaheb Thackeray. This is extremely unfortunate. It is a bigger crime than the betrayal in 2019 when he (Uddhav Thackeray) formed a government with Congress, forsaking Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology," Shinde said.
16:32 (IST) Apr 03
DMK to move Supreme Court on Waqf Bill passed in Lok Sabha: Tamil Nadu CM Stalin
Taking strong exception to the passage of the Waqf Bill in the Lok Sabha, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin on Thursday said his party would file a case in the Supreme Court against the Bill. Following the announcement, the opposition AIADMK expressed solidarity with 'all steps' taken by the DMK on the issue while the BJP members staged a walkout from the Assembly House in protest.
The CM, who came to the Assembly wearing a black badge to protest against the passing of the Bill, said adopting the amendment at 2 am "at the behest of a few allies" despite the opposition of the majority parties in India, "is an attack on the structure of the Constitution."
"This is an act that disturbs religious harmony. To highlight this, we are participating in today's Assembly proceedings wearing black badges," the chief minister told the House.
"I would like to inform you that a case will be filed in the Supreme Court on behalf of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) against this controversial amendment. Tamil Nadu will fight against the Union government's law which destroys the autonomy of the Waqf Board and threatens the minority Muslim population," Stalin said amidst thumping of desks by the Treasury.
The CM, who came to the Assembly wearing a black badge to protest against the passing of the Bill, said adopting the amendment at 2 am "at the behest of a few allies" despite the opposition of the majority parties in India, "is an attack on the structure of the Constitution."
"This is an act that disturbs religious harmony. To highlight this, we are participating in today's Assembly proceedings wearing black badges," the chief minister told the House.
"I would like to inform you that a case will be filed in the Supreme Court on behalf of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) against this controversial amendment. Tamil Nadu will fight against the Union government's law which destroys the autonomy of the Waqf Board and threatens the minority Muslim population," Stalin said amidst thumping of desks by the Treasury.
16:30 (IST) Apr 03
'Violation of right to religion' J&K Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Waqf Amendment Bill
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather Thursday said that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill of 2025 is a violation of the right to religion and stated that was not right to interfere in someone's personal laws.
"I think the Waqf Bill which has been passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday is a violation of the right to religion under Article 25. It is not appropriate to interfere in someone's personal laws," Rather told reporters here, expressing concern over the consequences of the new Bill.
Replying to a query, he said, "Our (Jammu and Kashmir) Assembly can't do anything about it as a law passed by the Parliament can only be revoked by the Parliament and can't not revoked by any assembly. Therefore we have a limited role in it".
"I think the Waqf Bill which has been passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday is a violation of the right to religion under Article 25. It is not appropriate to interfere in someone's personal laws," Rather told reporters here, expressing concern over the consequences of the new Bill.
Replying to a query, he said, "Our (Jammu and Kashmir) Assembly can't do anything about it as a law passed by the Parliament can only be revoked by the Parliament and can't not revoked by any assembly. Therefore we have a limited role in it".
16:19 (IST) Apr 03
Waqf Bill unconstitutional, targets Muslims: Congress MP Naseer Hussain
Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain on Thursday termed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill unconstitutional and alleged that it targets the Muslim community, even as he accused the BJP of using the proposed legislation to trigger communal tension and polarisation in the society in order to strengthen its vote bank. Initiating a discussion on the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Hussain accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to mislead the country and said no recommendations made by opposition members to the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) formed to look into the Bill were included in it.
He alleged that the Bill seeks to treat Muslims as second-class citizens in the country.
Hussain also noted that the BJP-led government is trying to bulldoze the legislation in the Upper House of Parliament.
He alleged that the ruling party brought the legislation in 2024 in order to strengthen its vote bank as it was only able to win 240 seats in the Lok Sabha election.
"They have brought this Act just for communal polarisation. Everybody knows who benefits when communal polarisation takes place," the Congress leader said.
He alleged that the Bill seeks to treat Muslims as second-class citizens in the country.
Hussain also noted that the BJP-led government is trying to bulldoze the legislation in the Upper House of Parliament.
He alleged that the ruling party brought the legislation in 2024 in order to strengthen its vote bank as it was only able to win 240 seats in the Lok Sabha election.
"They have brought this Act just for communal polarisation. Everybody knows who benefits when communal polarisation takes place," the Congress leader said.
16:09 (IST) Apr 03
Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut on Thursday said that “no one is above the Constitution” while referring to the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha.
Speaking to the reporters, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut said, “The whole country is happy today that Waqf will be regulated now, and then they will also be accountable.”
Speaking to the reporters, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut said, “The whole country is happy today that Waqf will be regulated now, and then they will also be accountable.”
16:03 (IST) Apr 03
We have already wiped the mafia out of Uttar Pradesh... We are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah for putting a check on the Waqf Board and doing welfare work by passing this important act in the Lok Sabha. Today, it will be passed in the Rajya Sabha as well.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Waqf Bill
125 More Updates
Originally introduced in the Lok Sabha in August last year, the bill was later referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee led by Jagdambika Pal for further review.
The bill aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to address challenges in managing and regulating Waqf properties. The proposed changes seek to improve the administration of Waqf properties by renaming the Act, updating the definition of Waqf, streamlining the registration process, and incorporating technology for better record management.
The Waqf Act of 1995, which was enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has faced criticism over issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The amendment bill seeks to resolve these concerns and improve the efficiency of Waqf Boards.
The bill aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to address challenges in managing and regulating Waqf properties. The proposed changes seek to improve the administration of Waqf properties by renaming the Act, updating the definition of Waqf, streamlining the registration process, and incorporating technology for better record management.
The Waqf Act of 1995, which was enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has faced criticism over issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The amendment bill seeks to resolve these concerns and improve the efficiency of Waqf Boards.
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