New Delhi [India], April 2: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Anurag Thakur emphasized the necessity of amending the Waqf law, presenting it as a move toward empowerment, efficiency, and development.
During a discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, Thakur described the proposed changes as UMMEED—an acronym for Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development.
“This is not just a Bill but an Umeed. This Umeed brings empowerment, efficiency, and development,” Thakur stated, highlighting the growing support from various religious and community organizations.
Support for the Bill from Religious Groups
Thakur expressed gratitude to several groups that backed the amendment, including:
- Catholic Bishops Conference of India
- Church of Bharat
- Kerala Council of Churches
- Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council
- All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council
- Muslim Rashtriya Manch
He asserted that these organizations, representing both Christian and Muslim communities, recognized the importance of reforming the existing Waqf law.
Corruption Allegations and Need for Change
Thakur accused the Waqf law, established under the Congress regime, of fostering corruption and misuse of Waqf properties.
“It is time to amend the Waqf law because it has become a source of atrocities and corruption. India needs liberation from the fear of Waqf,” he said, adding that the current system allows unchecked control over Waqf properties.
He further criticized the law’s original framework, saying it functioned on the principle of “khaata na bahi, jo Waqf kahe wahi sahi”, meaning there was no accountability beyond what Waqf boards decided.
Opposition Criticism and Constitutional Concerns
Meanwhile, AIMIM National Spokesperson Waris Pathan strongly opposed the bill, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of fundamental rights.
“Article 14 guarantees equality before the law, Article 25 ensures freedom of religion, and Article 26 allows communities to manage their religious affairs. This bill violates all of these,” Pathan argued.
He also claimed that BJP lacks the majority to pass the bill in the Lok Sabha and needs support from allies like Chandrababu Naidu, Nitish Kumar, Chirag Paswan, and Jayant Chaudhary. He warned that if these leaders support the bill, “India’s Muslims will never forgive them.”
Lok Sabha Proceedings on the Waqf Amendment Bill
On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha took up the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which incorporates suggestions from a Joint Parliamentary Committee that reviewed the bill, originally tabled in August 2024.
The House also considered the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, aiming to further restructure Waqf property regulations. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju moved both bills for passing.
The debate highlights the polarizing nature of the amendment, with the ruling BJP advocating for reforms to enhance transparency and efficiency, while opposition voices raise constitutional and communal concerns.