Rajya Sabha Set for Fierce Debate on Waqf Amendment Bill After Lok Sabha Approval

New Delhi: The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, which was passed in the Lok Sabha after a marathon 12-hour debate, is now set to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha today. The bill was approved in the lower house with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, sparking a sharp divide between the ruling NDA and the Opposition.

While the BJP-led NDA has defended the bill as a step towards transparency and efficiency in Waqf property management, opposition parties have strongly opposed it, calling it “anti-Muslim”. They argue that the bill curtails the autonomy of Waqf institutions and undermines minority rights.

The Waqf Amendment Bill introduces several changes aimed at streamlining the management of Waqf properties. It strengthens Waqf tribunals to ensure faster dispute resolution and mandates a structured selection process with fixed tenures for Waqf board members. The bill also reduces the mandatory contribution of Waqf institutions to Waqf boards from 7% to 5% and requires audits for Waqf institutions earning over ₹1 lakh.

Defending the bill, Union Minorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said it aims to introduce accountability and good governance in the management of Waqf properties. He dismissed claims that the bill targets minorities, stating, “There is no place in the world safer than India for minorities, and that is because the majority is entirely secular.” He cited the Parsi community as an example, adding that all minorities in India live with pride.

The Opposition, including the Congress, AIMIM, and other parties, has termed the bill unconstitutional and a direct attack on minority rights. They claim the amendments give the government greater control over Waqf properties and could be used to seize land under Waqf jurisdiction.

With both sides standing firm, the Rajya Sabha debate is expected to be highly contentious, setting the stage for yet another political showdown over the bill.