The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 has become a focal point of political discourse in India after its passage in the Lok Sabha with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. Introduced by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, the bill seeks to reform the management of Waqf properties and institutions across India, particularly by strengthening Waqf tribunals, setting a structured selection process, and ensuring better dispute resolution. Rijiju, in his address in the Rajya Sabha, appealed for bipartisan support, urging the Congress and its allies to back the bill, highlighting its importance for minority welfare.

According to Rijiju, the Waqf Amendment Bill aims to address the unfulfilled tasks of previous governments and make Waqf tribunals more efficient by imposing a fixed tenure for officials and streamlining the process for dispute resolution. One of the significant changes proposed by the bill is the reduction of mandatory contributions to Waqf boards from 7% to 5%, a move that is expected to ease financial burdens on Waqf institutions. Moreover, the bill mandates audits for Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh, a step towards ensuring transparency in the utilization of these funds.

Waqf properties, which include religious and charitable assets, are pivotal in supporting many welfare activities. As of now, there are 8.73 lakh Waqf properties in India, generating substantial income. Rijiju also pointed out that these properties were generating much higher revenues compared to estimates made in 2006 by the Sachar Committee, which had pegged the income of 4.9 lakh Waqf properties at Rs 12,000 crore.

However, the bill has faced significant opposition from various political parties. The Congress and CPI have termed it anti-constitutional and divisive. Sonia Gandhi, in her address, criticized the bill as a “brazen assault on the Constitution,” accusing the BJP government of pushing forward a bill that would divide communities. The CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar and RJD MP Manoj Kumar echoed similar sentiments, claiming that the bill was part of a deliberate attempt by the ruling government to polarize society along religious lines.

On the other hand, UP CM Adityanath has supported the bill, applauding PM Modi for pushing it forward, citing past issues such as the Mela land controversy, where the Waqf Board had claimed ownership of land during the Mahakumbh event, causing administrative complications. Rijiju's efforts in this regard include a thorough consultation process with state governments and minority commissions to ensure that the bill addresses the concerns of all stakeholders involved.

Despite the backlash, the government remains confident that the bill will pass in the Rajya Sabha as well. The debate in the Rajya Sabha is expected to be intense, with several political figures already voicing their opposition. The ruling NDA-led government has stated that it remains committed to improving the conditions for minorities, especially through reforms like those proposed in the Waqf Amendment Bill.

Rajya Sabha discussions on the Waqf Bill are ongoing, with both sides preparing for a lengthy debate. With the bill already passed in the Lok Sabha, the government's primary focus now is on securing its passage in the upper house, where the opposition's response will likely shape its future. The DMK and Congress have already indicated plans to challenge the bill in the Supreme Court if it passes in the Rajya Sabha.

The Waqf Amendment Bill reflects a broader political strategy where issues of governance, minority welfare, and religious equity are constantly at the forefront of the national debate. As the discussions unfold, it will be crucial to observe how the political landscape shapes around this significant legislative move and whether it will indeed achieve the objectives outlined by the government.

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