Waqf Amendment Bill / Shah takes a dig at Congress over Waqf Bill, says 'We don't form committees like them'

Waqf Amendment Bill: Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju has introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha. There is a possibility of a heated debate in Parliament over this bill, as opposition parties have termed it an attack on the rights of minorities, while the government claims that this bill is necessary for better management of Waqf properties.

Opposition's opposition and government's stand

Opposition parties Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress (TMC) and others have opposed this bill and called it unconstitutional. Opposition leaders say that through this law the government wants to establish control over the properties of the minority community, which is against their autonomy.

At the same time, the government says that this bill has been brought to ensure transparency and accountability. Union Home Minister Amit Shah clarified that before bringing this bill, it was sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), where the opinion of all stakeholders was taken. Taking a dig at the Congress, he said that the NDA government follows democratic processes and does not take any decision without consultation.

Equation in Lok Sabha and possibility of passing the bill

The NDA has a strong number in the Lok Sabha. The BJP-led NDA alliance has 293 MPs, while 272 votes are required for the passage of any bill. Allies JDU, TDP and Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) have also announced support to the government, due to which this bill is likely to be passed easily.

On the other hand, the opposition alliance 'India' is ready to strongly oppose this bill. Congress, Samajwadi Party, TMC and other parties have termed it a violation of the rights of minorities.

Way forward

This bill is expected to be discussed for about eight hours, after which voting will be done. If this bill is passed in the Lok Sabha, it will be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. The position of BJP and its allies is strong in the Rajya Sabha too, due to which its chances of passing are high.

Overall, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 is at the center of political controversies and its impact can be seen on the politics of the country and the status of the minority community in the times to come.