April 2, 2025: A fiery debate erupted in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday as Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf Amendment Bill, accusing the Congress-led UPA government of making "questionable" changes to Waqf laws during its tenure. The bill, which seeks to reform the administration of Muslim charitable properties, has sparked sharp exchanges between the ruling and opposition parties.

Rijiju alleged that the UPA government had facilitated the de-notification of "123 major buildings" in favor of the Waqf Board and suggested that, had the Modi government not intervened, even the Parliament building could have been claimed as Waqf property.

"A case that began in 1970 in Delhi involved several properties, including the Parliament building. The Delhi Waqf Board had claimed these properties. The case was in court, but then the UPA de-notified 123 properties and handed them over to the Waqf Board," the minister said, defending the necessity of the proposed amendments.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi strongly countered Rijiju’s claims, accusing the minister of misleading the House regarding the events of 2013.

"What he said about 2013 is completely misleading," Gogoi asserted, further alleging that the bill was an attempt to "dilute the Constitution, defame minority communities, divide Indian society, and disenfranchise minorities."

Gogoi also cautioned that the bill could lead to increased litigation and disputes. "Amendments should aim to strengthen the law, not create more conflicts," he said, warning that the government’s approach could set a precedent for targeting other communities in the future.

As the debate intensified, opposition members demanded further clarifications on the government’s intentions, while the ruling party stood firm on the bill’s necessity. With strong disagreements from both sides, the fate of the Waqf Amendment Bill remains uncertain as discussions continue in Parliament.