On Wednesday, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju presented the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to the Lok Sabha for deliberation and potential passage. This bill, stemming from the recommendations of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), aims to enhance the management of Waqf properties, embrace technology for better governance, simplify existing complexities, and uphold transparency in Waqf administration.
Minister Rijiju highlighted the extensive consultation process undertaken by the JPC, noting it to be the most significant endeavor ever conducted by such a parliamentary panel in India’s democratic history. The committee received an impressive total of over 97.27 lakh petitions and memorandums, submitted through both physical and digital avenues. Rijiju affirmed that each submission was meticulously reviewed before drafting the final report. Additionally, he mentioned that 284 delegations had contributed their perspectives on the bill, alongside insights from Waqf boards across 25 states and Union Territories. The voices of legal experts, charitable organizations, academics, and religious leaders were also included in the consultation process.
Minister Rijiju asserts that opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill arises from individuals prioritizing political interests and creating negativity around it. He contends that the Opposition’s interpretation of secularism seeks to divide society for electoral gain. Rijiju emphasizes that the government will refrain from interfering in religious institutions and claims previous amendments by the UPA government necessitate correction. He insists the bill is related to property management, not religious issues.
Key provisions include reclassifying Muslim trusts, allowing them complete control, and permitting only practicing Muslims of over five years to dedicate property to Waqf, reinstating pre-2013 rules. The bill mandates that women inherit before any Waqf declaration, ensuring protections for widows, divorced women, and orphans. It introduces a protocol for investigating government properties claimed as Waqf, replacing the tribunal system, and includes non-Muslim representatives on Waqf boards for inclusivity.
The bill aims for transparency and accountability in managing Waqf properties, with mixed reception—supporters view it as a needed reform, while critics warn of potential misuse. This legislative development reflects broader political dynamics in India, with potential impacts on religious governance, agriculture, and the economy. Stakeholders will closely monitor the unfolding discussions surrounding the bill.
Kausar Jahan, Chairperson of the Delhi State Haj Committee, expressed her support for the bill, labeling it a pivotal step towards transparency, fairness, and accountability in the Waqf sector. She criticized the opposition, suggesting that those who mislead the community for personal gain were against the bill. Jahan assured that the proposed changes would not infringe upon anyone’s rights but would rather empower individuals who currently face obstacles in securing their rights.
In a broader political context, tensions arose between leaders like Amit Shah and Akhilesh Yadav over the Waqf Bill. Yadav remarked on the delay in selecting a national president for Shah’s party, the BJP, insinuating that the party is trapped in dynastic politics. Shah countered that while his party’s selection process involves a democratic method spanning millions of members, Yadav’s party relies on a select few family members. This exchange highlighted the contrasting styles of political governance between the parties.
Additionally, R Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, welcomed the Waqf Bill, emphasizing its potential to restore farmers’ lands and acknowledging its significance in combating the prevalent issue of farmer suicides related to Waqf land complications. He praised the central leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for addressing this long-standing issue.
In stark opposition, Minister of Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched a fierce criticism of those in the opposition questioning the Waqf Bill. He urged them to concentrate on their responsibilities instead of criticizing Prime Minister Modi. Singh argued that the Prime Minister’s initiatives aimed at the welfare of the Muslim community should be acknowledged, reflecting the government’s commitment to uplift all demographics.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, by setting forth a technology-driven framework and striving for transparency, signifies a transformative approach to managing Waqf properties in the country. By taking feedback from a wide array of stakeholders, the government seeks to address longstanding grievances and ensure accountability in the administration of these properties. The bill’s reception varies across the political spectrum, with supporters viewing it as a necessary reform and critics warning against potential misuse of religious assets.
Overall, the discussion surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill reflects the broader political dynamics in India, with implications not only for religious governance but also for agricultural and economic issues affecting everyday citizens. The legislative process following this introduction will be closely monitored as stakeholders from various sectors react and engage in dialogue about its potential impacts on the communities involved.
In a parallel discussion, Mehbooba Mufti, President of the Peoples Democratic Party, criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, asserting that it is designed to marginalize Muslims. She expressed a lack of faith in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), citing a troubling history over the last decade where violence against Muslims and the destruction of mosques have occurred. Mufti urged the Hindu community to take a stand against what she sees as injustice, advocating for intervention from secular forces to prevent the country from descending into a situation resembling that of Myanmar, where conflicts have arisen over religious differences.
She implored Hindus to contribute toward safeguarding the rights of Muslims and to oppose the ongoing takeover of the Waqf boards, relating the current struggles to the historical plight of Kashmiri Pandits. The call was meant to rally support across communities to ensure that justice prevails and that the principles of the Indian Constitution—rooted in equality and fraternity—are upheld.
In support of the amended Waqf Bill, TDP MP Krishna Prasad Tenetti framed the properties managed under the Waqf system as having significant potential for economic and social upliftment of minority communities. Estimating the worth of Waqf properties at ₹1.2 lakh crore and covering 36.18 lakh acres, he argued that these resources have historically been underutilized and poorly managed. Therefore, Tenetti and his party, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which aligns with the BJP in Andhra Pradesh, endorse reforms aimed at empowering minority women through improvements in the management of Waqf properties. He pointed out that TDP was proactive in proposing amendments and establishing committees dedicated to addressing these issues, hoping to promote better utilization of Waqf assets for community development.
The contrasting views of Mufti and Tenetti reflect broader tensions in Indian politics regarding the treatment of minority communities and the dynamics of party alliances. While Mufti’s stance focuses on safeguarding Muslim rights and preventing oppression, Tenetti’s comments highlight a more utilitarian approach to the Waqf properties, seeking to leverage their economic potential to benefit minorities, particularly women. The underlying conflicts in these perspectives underscore the ongoing debate over how best to ensure equity and justice for all communities in India.
