Parliament Live Updates: The Centre and opposition parties on Thursday engaged in an intense debate over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to improve the functioning of Waqf properties, address complexities, ensure transparency and introduce technology-driven management.
The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha early Thursday after over a 12-hour debate that began a day ago, and is awaiting clearance in the Rajya Sabha.
Earlier in the day, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju reiterated the proposed legislation is not against Muslims or intended to hurt their religious feelings, but seeks to improve the functioning of Waqf properties. Seeking the Opposition’s support to pass the Bill, which was examined and redrafted by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), the Union Minister said it aims to accomplish the unfulfilled tasks of the previous governments.
During the debate in the Lower House, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance strongly defending the legislation as beneficial for minorities, while the Opposition described it as “anti-Muslim”. The Bill was passed after all amendments moved by the opposition members were rejected by voice votes. It was passed after a division of votes – 288 in favour and 232 against.
