New Delhi [India], April 3: After the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) chief Chandra Shekhar Azad strongly opposed the move, declaring that his party would challenge the legislation in court and protest against it on the streets.
In a veiled attack on Janata Dal (United) (JDU) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Azad accused them of betraying the Muslim community.
“Yesterday, the parties that used to talk about Muslim reservations and bringing Muslims into the mainstream—those same parties betrayed them and supported the bill. They are exposed now. We will go to court and protest on the roads,” he asserted.
Rajya Sabha Takes Up the Bill Amid Heated Debate
Meanwhile, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju moved a motion in the Rajya Sabha to consider the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Musalmaan Wakf (Repeal) Bill.
Citing the Sachar Committee Report, Rijiju highlighted the increasing number of Waqf properties and the revenue they generate.
“In 2006, the Sachar Committee estimated the earnings from 4.9 lakh Waqf properties at Rs 12,000 crore. As of today, there are 8.72 lakh Waqf properties. You can imagine the income they must be generating now,” he stated.
He also invoked the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) led by Congress leader K Rahman Khan, which had flagged infrastructure deficiencies and the lack of resources in Waqf boards.
“The committee recommended broadening the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf boards to be more inclusive. It also highlighted the need for better representation for women and children. Our bill incorporates all these suggestions,” Rijiju added.
Lok Sabha Passes Bill Despite Opposition Protest
The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha after a marathon debate, with 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
While INDIA bloc leaders strongly opposed the legislation, BJP and its allies argued that the bill would bring greater transparency and better governance to Waqf boards.
“The revised bill aims to overcome the shortcomings of the 1995 Act, improve the registration process, and enhance the role of technology in managing Waqf records,” government sources said.
The controversy surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill is expected to escalate further, with legal challenges and protests planned by opposition parties and civil rights groups.