The Rajya Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 on Friday. It was cleared by the Lok Sabha the day before. The session witnessed intense discussions, with arguments from both the ruling and opposition parties continuing past midnight.
Following a 12-hour-long debate, 128 members voted in favor of the bill. Meanwhile, 95 members opposed it. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announced the result. He noted that the final vote count might be subject to correction. The bill has received parliamentary approval. It will proceed to the President of India for final assent. It must receive this assent before becoming law. Additionally, the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 was also passed in the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote.
Government Revises Waqf Bill After JPC Review
The central government introduced the revised Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 during the current budget session. This was after incorporating suggestions from the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The committee had reviewed the legislation, originally introduced in August 2024, and provided its recommendations.
The bill aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, improving the management and administration of Waqf properties across India. Key changes include enhancing the efficiency of Waqf boards, streamlining the registration process, and integrating technology for better record management.
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the bill in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. He later stated that the legislation had undergone significant revisions based on feedback. “The initial draft and the final bill are vastly different. We incorporated various suggestions. Without them, the outcome would have been completely different,” he was quoted as saying by ANI during Friday’s debate.
Rahul Gandhi vs. BJP Over China Border Claims
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that China had occupied 4,000 square kilometers of Indian territory. He criticized the government’s stance. He said, “China has taken 4,000 kilometers of our land.” Despite this, our Foreign Secretary is celebrating with their ambassador.
BJP leader Anurag Thakur responded to these allegations. He dismissed the claims. Thakur stated that under the Modi government, not a single inch of Indian land had been encroached upon. He further accused the Congress party of spreading false narratives in collaboration with China.
UP Government to Seize Illegal Waqf Properties
Separately, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reiterated his stance against organized crime in the state. He stated that “mafiagiri will no longer be tolerated.” Criminals have been removed from Uttar Pradesh.
As part of this initiative, the state government has decided to seize illegal Waqf properties. District magistrates have been instructed to start a campaign. They will identify unauthorized properties. They will also take action against them to ensure compliance with legal provisions.
