New Delhi [India]: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was discussed in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, with National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders strongly defending the legislation while criticizing the Opposition for allegedly spreading misinformation.
Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Chirag Paswan and Republican Party of India (Athawale) president Ramdas Athawale expressed their full support for the bill, highlighting that it had already been passed in the Lok Sabha just 12 hours earlier.
NDA Leaders Condemn Opposition’s “False Narrative”
LJP leader Chirag Paswan took a swipe at the Opposition, claiming they routinely dismiss every initiative by the Modi government as unconstitutional.
“Everything introduced by the Modi government seems unconstitutional to the Opposition; it becomes a black day. Just like today, there was a black day during CAA, Article 370, and even the whole Lok Sabha election was a black day for them,” Paswan stated while speaking at the Parliament premises.
Paswan also accused Opposition leaders of misleading the public, arguing that the bill is aimed at improving transparency in Waqf-related affairs.
“Most of the opposition leaders spread confusion by giving generalized statements yesterday that this bill is against Muslims. If the system is being strengthened and made transparent for pro-poor Muslims and women, then why are they getting upset? It is natural for those who had made Waqf a hub of corruption to be concerned.”
Additionally, he criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his absence during critical discussions, including the debate on President’s Rule in Manipur.
“The LoP himself was absent when the bill was being introduced in Parliament yesterday. He was also absent when Manipur was being discussed… If the Congress was so concerned, then they should have made a Muslim Chief Minister in Bihar once,” he added.
Athawale: Bill is a “Revolutionary Step” for Muslims
Backing the bill, RPI (Athawale) leader Ramdas Athawale dismissed claims that it was an attack on Muslims.
“I think the opposition tries to create confusion, and this bill is not an attack on Muslims. The bill has been passed in Lok Sabha with 288 votes…My party fully supports the bill… It will be passed in the Rajya Sabha. It’s a revolutionary step taken by the PM for the Muslims. I thank the government for this,” Athawale stated.
Waqf (Amendment) Bill: Key Highlights
The Lok Sabha sat beyond midnight to pass the bill, with Speaker Om Birla announcing the division result:
✅ Ayes: 288
✅ Noes: 232
The revised bill was introduced after incorporating recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which reviewed the original legislation introduced in August last year.
Key objectives of the bill include:
- Enhancing the administration and management of Waqf properties in India.
- Addressing inefficiencies in the 1995 Waqf Act and improving governance.
- Boosting the role of technology in maintaining and monitoring Waqf records.
Rajya Sabha Discussion Continues
Following its passage in the Lok Sabha, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju tabled the bill for discussion in the Rajya Sabha earlier today. With NDA leaders expressing confidence in its approval, the debate is expected to continue in the Upper House.