April 3, 2025: In a dramatic turn of events, The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 after a marathon 12 hour debate. The Bill which aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, was passed with 288 votes in favour and 232 against.

The debate was marked by intense opposition from the Congress-led INDIA bloc, which alleged that the bill was “unconstitutional”, and aimed at diluting the rights of minorities. The BJP on the other hand, accused the Opposition of “fearmongering” and spreading misconception about the bill.

What’s in the bill?

: Inclusion of non-Muslim members: The bill proposes the inclusion of non-Muslim experts in Waqf board to make them more secular.

: Protection of Waqf properties: The bill aims to protect waqf properties from encroachment and ensure that they are used for the benefit of the Muslim community.

Opposition concerns:

: Dilution of constitutional rights

: Encroachment on Waqf properties

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju tabled the bill amid uproar from opposition, announcing that it would be renamed as UMEED (Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development).

The bill will be placed in Rajya Sabha today, where it will face another debate and voting process.