Union Minister SP Singh Baghel on Friday criticized the Congress party for opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, accusing the Opposition of deliberately complicating issues to prevent public benefits.
SP Baghel Takes a Jibe at Congress
Speaking to media, Baghel said:
“Whenever the BJP or NDA brings a good bill, like abolishing Article 370 or 35A, the Congress party works to complicate it and keep it in court so that its benefits don’t reach the public.”
Budget Session of Parliament Concludes
The Budget Session, which began on January 31, 2025, officially concluded as both Houses were adjourned sine die. The next session will be the Monsoon Session, though dates are yet to be announced.
During his valedictory speech, Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar praised the productivity of the session:
“Hon’ble Members, we have come to the conclusion of a very productive 267th session of the Sabha. I extend my gratitude to each one of you for your active participation and valuable contribution.”
Historic Longest-Ever Rajya Sabha Sitting
Dhankhar highlighted the longest-ever sitting of the Rajya Sabha, which ran from April 3 at 11 AM until April 4 at 4:02 AM, totaling nearly 17 hours.
- The session recorded 159 hours of functioning, with 119% productivity.
- A record 49 private members’ bills were introduced.
Lok Sabha Session Highlights
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stated that the Lower House held 26 sittings and recorded 118% productivity.
- 10 government bills were introduced.
- 16 bills were passed, including:
- Waqf Amendment Bill 2025
- Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill
Waqf Amendment Bill Passed After Heated Debate
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 was passed after a marathon debate in both Houses:
- Lok Sabha Vote: 288 in favor, 232 against
- Rajya Sabha Vote: 128 in favor, 95 against
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announced the results:
“Ayes 128 and Noes 95, Absent zero. The Bill is passed.”
Key Objectives of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025
The bill aims to:
✅ Address shortcomings in the Waqf Act, 1995
✅ Improve Waqf Board efficiency
✅ Enhance registration process of waqf properties
✅ Increase technology integration in waqf record management
With legal challenges already in place and protests being planned, the future of the Waqf Amendment Bill now depends on Supreme Court intervention and the President’s final approval.