Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 2: AIMIM National Spokesperson Waris Pathan on Wednesday strongly opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of the right to equality and freedom to manage religious affairs.
Citing the Constitution of India, Pathan argued that:
- Article 14 guarantees the right to equality before the law.
- Article 25 ensures the right to freedom of religion.
- Article 26 protects the freedom to manage religious affairs.
BJP Lacks Majority, Needs Allies’ Support: Pathan
Pathan further claimed that the BJP does not have a majority in the Lok Sabha to pass the bill and would require support from leaders such as:
- Chandrababu Naidu (TDP)
- Nitish Kumar (JD(U))
- Chirag Paswan (LJP)
- Jayant Chaudhary (RLD)
“If these leaders support the bill, India’s Muslims will never forgive them,” Pathan said, urging opposition to the legislation.
Calls for Withdrawal and Protests
Pathan criticized PM Narendra Modi’s insistence on passing the bill despite opposition from the Muslim community.
- “This is a black law, withdraw it,” he stated.
- He warned of constitutional protests if the bill is not withdrawn.
- He highlighted that over one crore people have submitted objections to the bill through the Muslim Personal Law Board.
Lok Sabha Takes Up Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha considered the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which includes recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee that reviewed it after its initial introduction in August last year.
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also introduced the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 for discussion and passage in the House.
Opposition Accuses Government of Rushing the Bill
Congress MP KC Venugopal accused the BJP of bulldozing the bill without allowing adequate time for amendments and discussion.
- “You are bulldozing the legislation. You need to give time for amendments,” he said.
Government Defends Bill, Calls it “Historic”
Defending the legislation, Kiren Rijiju said:
- “Today is a historic day. This bill is in the interest of the country.”
- “Not just crores of Muslims, but the whole country will support it.”
- He dismissed opposition criticism as politically motivated.
Purpose of the Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to:
- Improve administration and management of waqf properties.
- Enhance efficiency of Waqf Boards.
- Streamline the registration process.
- Increase the role of technology in managing Waqf records.
The bill remains controversial, with sharp divisions between supporters and opponents, as it heads toward further parliamentary debate and voting.