New Delhi [India], April 3: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Tarun Chugh on Thursday defended the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, asserting that it will enhance transparency and accountability in the administration of Waqf properties. He accused opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Asaduddin Owaisi, of creating “artificial fear” within the Muslim community.
“Leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Owaisi are misleading the Muslim community and creating unnecessary fear. This bill is aimed at bringing transparency and accountability in Waqf management,” Chugh stated.
Echoing similar sentiments, JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha emphasized that Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s speech during Wednesday’s debate clarified many doubts about the bill.
“After yesterday’s debate, the confusion that was there has been cleared. Those who tried to mislead Muslims have been exposed. In Bihar, where we have a caste survey, Pasmanda Muslims—who form the largest Muslim population—were not given representation in the Waqf board. This bill ensures inclusivity,” Jha said.
The bill, which seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, was passed in the Lok Sabha after a 12-hour heated debate, with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. The legislation will now be tabled in the Rajya Sabha for further discussion.
The government introduced the revised bill after incorporating recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee that reviewed the legislation since its initial proposal in August last year. The bill aims to improve Waqf property management by enhancing efficiency, digitizing records, and streamlining the registration process.