Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Congress leader Kharge demands inquiry into Manipur violence, asks govt to table White Paper in House
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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
23:01 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Amendment Bill against principle of natural justice: Owaisi calls board Waqf Board 'religious institution'
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi attacked the government over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it an attack on the largest minority in the country. He said, "Muslim Waqf law is bringing in non-Muslims….completely different from how other religious boards work. This is against principle of natural justice, violation of Article 25 and Article 26. Any designated officer can rule that a masjid is govt property and it can be taken away.”

"This is an attack on Muslims….This attack is from Modi govt…my mosques are being targeted," he added
22:56 (IST) Apr 02
BJP makes Muslims remember their place, Congress stabs Muslims in the back: Rashid Engineer
Jammu and Kashmir MP Engineer Rashid said, "The whole world knows that BJP makes Muslims remember their place. However, Congress stabs Muslims in the back with dragger smeared in sweet juice."
22:44 (IST) Apr 02
Ae Chup!: BJP's Abhijeet Gangopadhyay, when someone interrupted
In the ongoing discussion on the Waqf Amendment Bill, a funny moment caught on camera when BJP's Abhijeet Gangopadhyay stopped someone who was interrupting his speech at the Lok Sabha. He said, "Ae Chup!!"
22:40 (IST) Apr 02
'Congress party strongly opposes this legislation': Rahul Gandhi on Waqf Amendment Bill
22:14 (IST) Apr 02
'Clause-by-clause discussions not held in JPC': MP Arvind Sawant on Waqf Bill
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant, who was the member of the Joint Parliament Committee (JPC), on Wednesday, stated that clause-by-clause discussions were not held in the committee regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

Participating in the debate in Lok Sabha on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Sawant, said that the non-stakeholders were also called to the JPC.

"I am here to present my view on Waqf (Amendment) Bill. I, too, was a member of the JPC. Unfortunately, till the end, clause-by-clause discussions were not held in the JPC. Non-stakeholders were also called to the JPC, have always felt that there is a great difference between your words and actions. You do not want to do justice to anyone with this Bill. Do not think that what you are doing is right. I think you can only see Bihar elections now," he said.
21:53 (IST) Apr 02
What is Waqf (Amendment) Bill? All you need to know
The central government tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament on Wednesday amid strong resistance from the opposition.

While the BJP-led government claims that the bill would improve the administration and management of Waqf properties in the country, the opposition has termed it a "targeted legislation" and "fundamentally against the Constitutional provisions.

"BJP's allies -- TDP and JDU -- have offered their support to the bill, with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar-led JDU urging the legislation's implementation not be retroactive.
21:42 (IST) Apr 02
'Pariwar' may have more land than with Waqf, defence: BJP Sambit Patra's veiled dig at Congress
"Today, there was a big discussion that the most land is owned by three entities: the Railways, Defence, and then the Waqf Board. However, I have doubts about this. I believe that the third-largest landholding might actually belong to a certain family's board," Sambit Patra said while participating in the Waqf Amendment Bill.

"If examined properly, there is a possibility that this family's board owns even more land than the Waqf Board," he added.
21:19 (IST) Apr 02
'They use sensitive issues for political gains': Arun Bharti slams Congress over Waqf Bill
LJP (Lok Janshakti Party) leader Arun Bharti expressed support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, stating it would prove advantageous for both the Muslim community and the nation.

He highlighted party chief Chirag Paswan's dedication towards the advancement of Dalit Muslims, Ansari Muslims, and Pasmanda Muslims, stressing that governmental assistance should complement divine providence.

"Our President Chirag Paswan wants Dalit Muslims, Ansari Muslims, and Pasmanda Muslims to move forward. Those left out of the mainstream not only need 'Allah ki rehmat' but also require government's help. During the Congress regime, many Waqf Bills were presented, but due to a lack of transparency, corruption prevailed. When Congress is in power, they talk about administrative reforms practically, but in Opposition, they use sensitive issues for political gains," Bharti said in the Lok Sabha.
21:05 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill violates Muslims' right to religious duties: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee
MC MP Kalyan Banerjee strongly opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha, alleging that it breaches the constitutional right of Muslims to perform their religious duties. His remarks come amid heated debates, with the opposition accusing the government of targeting minority rights through the bill.
20:52 (IST) Apr 02
'Democratic values are being destroyed,' says MD Karimudhin, General Secretary, Jamaat Islami Hind, Andhra Pradesh on Waqf Amendment Bill
“Waqf (Amendment) Bill: “The question is that it is being tabled in the Parliament after it is being opposed by us. The democratic values are being destroyed… We appeal to the political parties and secular people to stop this Bill from being passed. In case the Bill gets passed... we have farmers' protest, NRC protest, we will also use our democratic rights to raise our voice,” says MD Karimudhin, General Secretary, Jamaat Islami Hind, Andhra Pradesh.
20:38 (IST) Apr 02
'Unconstitutional', 'undermining the Right to Freedom of Religion': Kharge on Waqf Amendment Bill
20:36 (IST) Apr 02
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya explains why Section 40 removed
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya says, "The concept of Section 40 - Waqf by User and Oral Waqf was a potent cocktail that enabled the Waqf Board to usurp any land that it wished. Those who had a problem with this were forced to go before the Waqf Tribunal. This Waqf Tribunal was a kangaroo court and its orders were final and you couldn't even go in appeal."

"On top of this, you had the Limitation Act, If you are an aggrieved party, you had only one year to go before the Waqf Tribunal whose order was final but if you are the Waqf Board, you had no Limitation Act applied on you; even after 500 years, 1000 years you could go and start a claim. This was the Frankenstein Monster that was created by the Waqf Act of 2013 where the Waqf Board was judiciary, legislature, executive all rolled in one, there was no concept of separation of powers..." he added.
20:33 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Live Today: 'People have given PM Narendra Modi three terms, BJP govt will remain for three more terms,' says Amit Shah
Union minister Amit Shah said that the opposition doesn't care about the backward classes or the Muslims. "For years, they have been working based on casteism and appeasement, using these as tools to advance their family's politics. But since 2014, Narendra Modi has ended casteism, appeasement, and dynastic politics all at once, bringing development-focused politics and the 'Politics of Performance.' Perform and get elected!" Amit Shah said.

He declared that the BJP will rule the country for another three terms.

"People have given PM Narendra Modi three terms, BJP govt will remain for three more terms. Mark my words," Amit Shah said.
20:11 (IST) Apr 02
'Constitutional fraud': BJP's Tejaswi Surya slams opposition
While speaking at the Lok Sabha over the Waqf Amendment Bill, Tejaswi Surya said that the Congress did the Constitutional fraud.
19:55 (IST) Apr 02
Union home minister Amit Shah addressed concerns raised by ally JD(U) regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Shah said that the legislation will not have a retrospective effect and accused the opposition of misleading the Muslim community.


Addressing the Lok Sabha, Shah rejected claims that the bill was designed to interfere in religious matters. "One more misconception is being spread, that this is coming with a retrospective effect. Speak with responsibility when you speak in this House. The Bill clearly states that the law will come into effect after the notification is issued by the government when the Bill is passed. So, there is no retrospective effect. But Muslims are being scared," he said.
19:42 (IST) Apr 02

"Better late than never. It was sent to the JPC so that all discussions with the concerned stakeholders could take place. The bill will be exceptional and there will be transparency and accountability. The opposition is just creating an atmosphere of fear..."

BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana

19:12 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Amendment Bill will not be implemented retrospectively, says Amit Shah
In the ongoing debate over Waqf Amendment Bill, Amit Shah said that there is one more misconception that is being spread about coming up the with a retrospective effect. "Speak with responsibility when you speak in this House. The Bill clearly states that the Law will come into effect after the notification is issued by the Government when the Bill is passed. So, there is no retrospective effect. But Muslims are being scared," Amit Shah said in the Lok Sabha.
18:55 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Amit Shah shares data
18 lakh acres under the Waqf board from 1913 to 2013, but from 2013-2025, an additional 21 lakh acres of land have been added. The opposition is saying they are misusing it, Amit Shah said.
18:48 (IST) Apr 02
Union home minister Amit Shah said, "When amendments to the Waqf were introduced in 2013, Lalu Prasad Yadav stated that he wanted a strict law and wanted to put those in jail who were stealing. Narendra Modi has fulfilled Lalu Prasad Yadav's wishes."
18:30 (IST) Apr 02

"I stand in support of the Bill introduced by my ministerial colleague. I have been carefully hearing the discussion going on since 12 noon...I feel that there are several misconceptions among several Members, either genuinely or politically. Also, through this House, attempts are being made to spread those misconceptions across the country."

Amit Shah

18:24 (IST) Apr 02
Non-Muslim will not be part of the new committee that will interfere in religious matter: Amit Shah clarifies
"Non-Muslim will not be of committee which will interfere in religious matter, Amit Shah clarified and added that non-Muslims will only look after the administration of property donated by someone under Waqf Law, whether it is being done as per law, whether the property is being used for the intent with which it was donated. This came after opposition raised the question on selection of the 12 non-Muslims in the new board.
18:08 (IST) Apr 02
I will request my Parliament members also, they are fighting for Waqf today, because the Jhumla party has only one program to divide the country and they believe only divide and rule policy what we don't. First learn to respect the Constitution and than takeaway someone's rights
17:44 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: 'This bill is law vs lawlessness, constitution vs corruption'
"This bill is not about Hindu vs Muslim, this is law vs lawlessness, constitution vs corruption, Bharat vs internal partition. In several countries, the Waqf board works under the centralised framework," Anurag Thakur said. He further said, "This Karnataka government collected 4.50 crore, where do you spend that money. You should have given the answers to those. Did you take the money from the Masjid or the Waqf board?"

"The scams that took place in Karnataka also include the name of their Congress leader," Anurag Thakur.
17:06 (IST) Apr 02
Last nail in Congress' appeasement coffin: Anurag Thakur
The Waqf Amendment Bill will be the last nail in the Coffin of Congress's politics of appeasement, BJP's Anurag Thakur said. He also accused Jawaharlal Nehru of dividing India. While speaking in the Lok Sabha, Thakur said that the amendment in the Waqf law seeks to curb corruption. "The Opposition compromised the Constitution for votebank. Those opposing have to decide if they want to stick to the Waqf law or the Constitution. This is neither Pakistan nor the Taliban's country. Only one law will run in the country -- the Constitution. Today we won't let another destruction (by the Opposition) in the name of land 'jihad'," he said.
16:53 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf is sacred for Muslims: Congress' Imran Masood
Congress MP from UP Imran Masood: Waqf is sacred for Muslims. Those who drafted this bill were ignorant of waqf, Muslim principles, and what is sacrosanct in Islamic law. He also pointed out that after the new amendment, among 22 members-council, there will be 10 Muslims, 2 female and 12 non-Muslims. He said that do you add Non-Hindu in a committee for Hindu Trust. This Bill overlap Article 14, 16 and 26, said Imran Masood.

"WAMSI portal was being mentioned again and again...10 years is a long time. You could not register all properties in 10 years...You could not do this work in 10 years but now you say that properties have to be registered within 6 months and if that is not done, those properties won't be of Waqf anymore. Who would do the registration? Your officers. How would that be done within 6 months when it could not be done in 10 years? This is an anti-Constitutional Bill," he added.
16:49 (IST) Apr 02
'Opposition is opposing just to hide their sin,' says Srikant Eknath Shinde
"On behalf of Shiv Sena and my leader Eknath Shinde, I completely support this Bill. This is a historic and important day...First Article 370, then Triple Talaq and CAA, and now this Bill has been brought to this House for the welfare of the poor...I was pained upon hearing his (UBT's Arvind Sawant) speech. It was very shocking. I would like to ask UBT a question, they should ask their conscience whether they would have spoken the same had Balasaheb (Thackeray) been alive today," Srikant said. He added that it is clear today whose ideology UBT is adopting today and opposing this Bill.
16:37 (IST) Apr 02
'Clause-by-clause discussions were not held in JPC. Non-stakeholders were also called': Shiv Sena (UBT): Arvind Sawant
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant says, "I am here to present my view on Waqf Amendment Bill...I, too, was a member of the JPC. Unfortunately, till the end, clause-by-clause discussions were not held in the JPC. Non-stakeholders were also called to the JPC…We have always felt that there is a great difference between your words and actions. You do not want to do justice to anyone with this Bill…Do not think that what you are doing is right...I think you can only see Bihar Elections now..."
16:35 (IST) Apr 02
'Waqf Amendment Bill is for welfare of people of Muslim society': Deputy CM Eknath Shinde
On the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde says, "Shiv Sena's stand on the Waqf Board has always been clear... We will never compromise with our ideology for power or selfishness... Our stand on the Waqf Amendment Bill is also clear... The Waqf Amendment Bill is for the welfare of the common people of the Muslim society, for their progress ..."
16:16 (IST) Apr 02
In 2013, the 'Paap' you committed has been ended today by PM Modi, who has worked to bring transparency: Union minister Lalan Singh
"Since the beginning of the Waqf amendment bill, the opposition is trying to create a narrative that this is against the Muslims and disturbing the environment of the country. This is not against the Muslims. Waqf is a kind of trust, which is made to work for Muslims. This trust should have the right to do justice to every person, whether man, woman, rich or poor," Lalan Singh said.

"If you don't like PM Modi's face, don't see his face. But at least praise him for his good deeds. "In 2013, the sin you committed has been ended today by PM Modi, who has worked to bring transparency," he added.
15:17 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin writes letter to Prime Minister to urge Union Government to completely withdraw bill
15:15 (IST) Apr 02
'Islam is an extremely modern and liberal religion': TMC Kalya Banerjee
"A single Muslim can also offer his prayers with or without an Imam. But a prayer in a Mosque is offered only behind an Imam who leads the prayers. And Islam is an extremely modern and liberal religion. There is no question of any person being denied admission in a mosque to offer prayers," TMC's Kalyan Banerjee said in the Lok Sabha.

He also pointed out the Rajasthan and said that the Rajasthan government itself has occupied 80% of the property of the Rajasthan Waqf property.
15:04 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: 'Tu Hindu banega na Musalman banega. Insaan ki aulaad hai insaan banega'
"On behalf of AITC, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, I strongly oppose the Bill in its entirety. The spirit of my speech is 'Tu Hindu banega na Musalman banega. Insaan ki aulaad hai insaan banega'..." TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee said.
14:59 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: 'Kiren Rijiju should tell about land which China has settled its villages,' says Akhilesh Yadav in Lok Sabha
As the Waqf (Amendment) Bill introduced in the Lok Sabha, the opposition are expressing their views on this. Akhilesh Yadav in Lok Sabha said, "Whenever BJP brings up a new Bill, it hides its failure. BJP is talking about identifying the land of Muslim brothers so that the issue of identifying the Hindus who have died or lost in Maha Kumbh can be covered up..."

"Not only about the lives lost, but this government should tell where is the list of about 1,000 Hindus who have been lost and not been found yet... Union Minister (Kiren Rijiju) should tell about the land on which China has settled its villages, but so that no one creates a ruckus about the huge danger, this bill is being brought..." he added.
14:45 (IST) Apr 02

"This country belongs to the Muslim community as much as it to the Hindus, there is no doubt in it. However, who will be ideals of the Muslim community? People who do business of votes will be ideals of Muslim community. If this is so, then it won't be acceptable to the country. We want to say it humbly that ideals of the Muslim community will be Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Dr APJ Kalam, Abdul Hamid, Ashfaqulla Khan, Raskhan, Kabir, Malik Muhammad Jayasi. When fast bowler Mohammad Shami takes a wicket, the entire nation erupts in joy. When Sania Mirza makes India proud in tennis, everyone celebrates it. We felt that 'saudagiri' of votes will be stopped, but it didn't."

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad

14:39 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: All India Muslim Personal Law Board says will challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in court
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), a key body representing Muslims in India, announced on Wednesday that it will challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in court and launch protests against what it calls a "black law" that endangers the community's rights.

The Bill, which was tabled in the Lok Sabha for debate and passage on Wednesday, will move to the Rajya Sabha if cleared by the Lower House.

Speaking at a press conference, AIMPLB member Md Adeeb strongly criticized the legislation, alleging it was a deliberate attempt to seize Muslim-owned properties.

"They believe they can take away our property with this move. Can we accept this? No. Do not assume that we are defeated," Adeeb asserted.
14:28 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: 'Waqf bill brought to hide number of deaths in Kumbh,' says Akhilesh Yadav in LS
Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, during his speech in the Lok Sabha, criticized the BJP, alleging that the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced to divert attention from the failures of the current government.

"This Bill has been brought not for reforms, but to cover up the shortcomings and failures of this regime," Yadav asserted, accusing the ruling party of using legislation as a political tool.
14:16 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Samajwadi Party chief and MP from Kannauj, Akhilesh Yadav speaks in Lok Sabha
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav began his address in Parliament by taking a jibe at the newly proposed name of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, "UMEED" (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development) Bill.
14:04 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: 'How many schools, hospitals built on Waqf land?' asks BJP's Ravishankar Prasad in Lok Sabha
BJP MP Prasad, speaking on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 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.
13:53 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) to oppose Waqf bill
As Parliament commenced its debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Odisha’s opposition party, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), announced on Wednesday that it would oppose the controversial legislation.

The party stated that it had proposed certain amendments to the Bill, but they were not accepted. "Since our suggestions were rejected, we will oppose the Bill," BJD Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sasmit Patra told news agency PTI.

Although the BJD has no representation in the Lok Sabha, it holds seven seats in the Rajya Sabha. Patra confirmed that BJD Rajya Sabha MP Muzibulla Khan would represent the party’s stance during the parliamentary debate, emphasizing that the party remains dissatisfied with the proposed legislation.
13:46 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi says government will eye another religion's land tomorrow
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, speaking in Parliament, accused the government of setting a precedent with the Waqf Amendment Bill that could lead to targeting other religious communities in the future.

"Today, they have their eyes on one community's land; tomorrow, it will be another's," he warned, expressing concerns over potential future actions.
13:42 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Waqf Bill to be named UMEED
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the Waqf Bill will be renamed as the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill.
13:34 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Waqf bill a deliberate effort to dilute Constitution, says Congress's Gaurav Gogoi in LS
On Wednesday, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi strongly criticized the government in the Lok Sabha, alleging that the Waqf Amendment Bill was an attempt to undermine constitutional values and marginalize minority communities.

"This bill is not just about administrative changes; it is a deliberate effort to dilute the Constitution, defame minority communities, divide Indian society, and ultimately disenfranchise minorities," Gogoi asserted.
13:22 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi says Union minister Kiren Rijiju misled the House
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, reacting to the introduction of the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, accused Union minister Kiren Rijiju of misleading the House while referencing the UPA government’s actions in 2013 during his speech.
13:18 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Waqf bill is anti Constitution, says Gaurav Gogoi
Gaurav Gogoi said in Lok Sabha that the Waqf amendment bill is against the Constitution of India
13:15 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Gaurav Gogoi opens argument for Congress on Waqf Bill
Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, led the party’s argument during the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, following its tabling by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday.
13:04 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: 'Modi govt stopped Parliament from being given as Waqf property,' Kiren Rijiju in LS
After introducing the Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha, Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju said, "A case has been ongoing since 1970 in Delhi involved several properties, including the CGO Complex and the Parliament building. The Delhi Waqf Board had claimed these as Waqf properties. The case was in court, but at that time, the UPA government denotified 123 properties and handed them over to the Waqf Board. If we had not introduced this amendment today, even the Parliament building we are sitting in could have been claimed as Waqf property. If the PM Modi government did not come into power, several properties would have been de-notified."
12:57 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Rahul Gandhi arrives in Parliament
12:54 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Congress MP KC Venugopal accuses government of rushing Waqf amendment bill
Congress MP KC Venugopal criticized the government for rushing the bill through Parliament, alleging that lawmakers were not given sufficient time to propose amendments.

"You are forcing this legislation through without proper discussion. There must be adequate time to move amendments, but we have not been given that opportunity," he remarked.
12:49 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Discussion begins in Lok Sabha on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
The Lok Sabha began discussions on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which includes recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee that reviewed the bill after its introduction in Parliament in August last year.

The House also considered the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, for debate and approval.

Minority affairs minister Kiren Rijiju presented both bills for passage in the House.
12:46 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Government is not going to interfere in any religious institution, says Kiren RIjiju
Amid loud protests from the opposition over the Waqf Amendment Bill, Union minister Kiren Rijiju assured the Lok Sabha that the government has no intention of interfering in any religious institution.

"The government respects all religious institutions and their autonomy. There is no attempt to interfere in their affairs. The Waqf Amendment Bill is being introduced solely to bring necessary reforms and ensure transparency. Unfortunately, some people are being misled about its purpose," Rijiju said, defending the bill against opposition criticism.
25 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.