Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Friday voiced strong support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, describing it as a landmark reform aimed at delivering justice to the majority of the Muslim community and fostering communal harmony in India.
Speaking during the Rajya Sabha debate on the bill’s passage, Athawale stated:
“This bill is to give justice to all Muslims–around 90 per cent of them. It is not unconstitutional. It is a revolutionary bill that seeks to unite Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and all other communities.”
He criticized the Congress party for opposing the bill, accusing it of practicing divisive politics.
“Muslims have been facing injustice till now. Congress party has been following divide and rule policy and Muslims and Dalits were not getting justice,” Athawale said.
Known for blending politics with poetry, Athawale delivered his trademark humorous couplets during the session, drawing laughter and applause from fellow Members of Parliament.
One of his poetic jibes targeted the Opposition and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership:
“Waqf Bill ka hum karte hai smaran,
Lekin Opposition ko hum kar denge haran.
Modiji hai Musalmanon ke sacche wali,
Kharge sahib bajao zor-dar tali.
Mat dedo roz Modiji ko gaali,
Nahi toh kursi karo khaali.
Virodhi dalon ki raat ho rahi kaali,
Nadda sahab bajao aap bhi tali…”
He followed with another couplet:
“Itni ho gayi hai raat,
Mai kar raha hu Waqf Bill par baat,
Mai de raha hu Modi ji ko saath,
Isiliye mai Congress ko dikha raha hu haath.”
Continuing his poetic defense of Modi’s policies, he said:
“Modiji toh Musalmanon ki baat karte hain, Lekin Congress wale toh Musalmanon ka aghat karte hain. Modiji toh gareebon ki baat karte hain, Aur unhone hamesha Muslims, minorities ki baat ki hai.”
The Minister’s witty verses lightened the otherwise intense and marathon debate in the Upper House, reflecting his unique style of blending rhythm with rhetoric.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill 2024 as a historic moment.
“The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity,” PM Modi wrote on X.
He further highlighted that the amended bill would safeguard the rights of the underrepresented, especially Muslim women and Pasmanda Muslims, by addressing the lack of transparency and accountability in the Waqf system.
The revised bill was introduced after incorporating recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which had been examining the 1995 Act. It aims to improve the management, registration, and digital documentation of Waqf properties across India.
The Lok Sabha passed the bill after midnight on Wednesday, following an intense debate, while the Rajya Sabha cleared it on Friday, marking the final legislative step.