Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday strongly opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, calling it a “weapon” aimed at marginalizing Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he said:
“The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a weapon aimed at marginalising Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights. This attack on the Constitution by the RSS, BJP, and their allies is aimed at Muslims today but sets a precedent to target other communities in the future.”
Gandhi further asserted that the bill violates Article 25, which guarantees the Right to Freedom of Religion, stating:
“The Congress party strongly opposes this legislation as it attacks the very idea of India and violates Article 25, the Right to Freedom of Religion.”
BJP Responds: Kamaljeet Sehrawat Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi
BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat dismissed Gandhi’s remarks and countered with a historical reference:
“I want to remind that if Shyama Prasad Mookerjee was not there, Rahul Gandhi would be standing in a line to seek a permit to start his Yatra in J&K. Never claim that our leaders were not involved in the Independence Movement.”
Congress’ KC Venugopal: ‘Divisive Politics at Play’
Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal also slammed the bill, alleging that it was another attempt by the BJP to push “divisive politics” instead of addressing key issues like unemployment and farmers’ demands.
“For the last several years, farmers have been on the street, demanding legal guarantees for MSP. But the Bill is not coming. Youngsters of this country are unemployed and in despair. But instead of addressing these issues, this government prioritizes legislation that divides Bharat Mata in the name of religion.”
Kiren Rijiju Defends the Bill: ‘No Retrospective Effect’
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, while moving the bill for passing in Lok Sabha, assured that it would not have retrospective effects and claimed that it aims to improve the administration of Waqf properties.
“When our country has the largest Waqf property in the world, why hasn’t it been used for education, medical treatment, skill development, and income generation of poor Muslims? Why has no progress been made in this regard so far?” Rijiju questioned.
What the Waqf (Amendment) Bill Seeks to Change
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995 to:
- Improve the administration and management of Waqf properties in India.
- Enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards by streamlining processes.
- Introduce technology-driven solutions to manage Waqf records.
Along with this, Rijiju also moved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, which was examined by a Joint Parliamentary Committee led by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal.
What’s Next?
With the Congress opposing the bill and the BJP defending it, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is set to be a major political flashpoint in the coming days. The debate over its implications on religious freedom and property rights is expected to intensify as it moves forward in Parliament.