New Delhi [India], April 2: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Wednesday strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, criticizing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for introducing a bill on minority rights despite not having a single Muslim MP in the Lok Sabha.
DMK MP A Raja Criticizes BJP
During a Lok Sabha debate, DMK MP A Raja took a jibe at the ruling party, stating:
“The irony is that the rights of the minorities are going to be protected by a party which has no member of a Muslim community.”
Raja further remarked that the bill’s passage would determine whether India remains on the secular path envisioned by the Constitution’s framers or deviates towards communal forces.
Kiren Rijiju Defends Bill, Questions Waqf Property Utilization
Introducing the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju hit back at the opposition, questioning why Waqf properties have not been used effectively to uplift Muslims in India.
“When our country has the largest Waqf property in the world, why hasn’t it been used for the education, medical treatment, skill development, and income generation of poor Muslims?” Rijiju asked.
He also noted that under the Modi government, the number of Waqf properties has doubled and their income has increased. Rijiju further questioned the Opposition’s resistance to the BJP’s initiatives for Muslim welfare.
About the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025
The bill, earlier introduced in August 2024, was reviewed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee led by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal. It seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to:
✔ Improve the administration and management of Waqf properties.
✔ Enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards through better registration processes.
✔ Increase the role of technology in managing Waqf records.
Along with the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Rijiju also moved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, for consideration and passing in the Lok Sabha.
The debate continues, with Opposition parties strongly resisting the bill, while the BJP defends it as a progressive move for Muslim welfare.