Lok Sabha Rejects Opposition Amendments, Passes Waqf Bill with 288 Votes

During the debate, Union Minorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the safety of minorities in India, stating that the country is one of the safest places for minority communities. He highlighted the example of the Parsis, a small minority group, who live in India with pride and without fear.

Rijiju emphasized that India has historically provided refuge to persecuted minority communities from neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. He refuted claims that minorities are not safe in India, citing the peaceful coexistence of different religious groups in the country.

The Minister warned against spreading misinformation about the safety of minorities in India, emphasizing that the coming generations would not forgive those who undermine the country’s secular values. He contrasted India’s inclusive approach with the religious persecution faced by minorities in neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

Rijiju emphasized that the NDA government aims to unite all minorities in the country through the Bill. He also highlighted the strong support of the Christian community for the legislation.

He pointed out that there are numerous pending disputes with the Waqf tribunals, and the government’s goal is to expedite the resolution of these cases. Rijiju stressed the importance of timely justice, especially for widows, divorcees, and orphans.

During the debate, Union Home Minister Amit Shah intervened to address concerns about the creation of a vote bank through intimidation of minorities and confusion surrounding the Waqf bill. Shah emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding justice and welfare for all citizens, regardless of their religion.

He criticized the use of fear tactics within the minority community and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to protecting the rights of all citizens. Shah explained that the presence of non-Muslims in Waqf councils is solely for the proper administration of properties.

Shah highlighted the necessity of amending the Wakf Act in 2013 to prevent misuse of power for political gain. He cited an example where properties in Delhi’s Lutyens Zone were transferred to the Waqf just before elections in 2014, emphasizing the need for legislative reform.

In conclusion, Shah reiterated the government’s stance against exploiting minorities for political gain and emphasized the importance of ensuring justice and equality for all citizens.

Earlier, there was no provision to include any non-Muslim among those who run religious institutions, and the NDA government is not planning to change that, according to a statement made.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi stated that the INDIA bloc will oppose the proposed changes to the Waqf law, calling the Bill an attack on the basic structure of the Constitution. He accused the government of misleading Parliament, referencing previous discussions on the matter.

Gogoi alleged that the Bill aims to dilute the Constitution, defame minority communities, divide Indian society, and disenfranchise minorities.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the Bill was a BJP strategy for polarization following its losses in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. He warned that the Bill would damage the country’s secular image.

Yadav predicted that the Bill would be a challenge for the BJP, as some of its allies may outwardly support the legislation but are not truly in favor of it.

During the debate, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi made a symbolic protest by tearing up a copy of the Bill.

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, described the Waqf Bill as a weapon designed to marginalize Muslims and infringe upon their personal laws and property rights.

Gandhi warned that the attack on the Constitution by the RSS, BJP, and their allies, while targeting Muslims now, could set a dangerous precedent for other communities in the future.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to strengthen Waqf tribunals, establish a structured selection process, and set a fixed tenure to ensure efficient dispute resolution.

The implementation of a centralized portal will revolutionize the management of Waqf properties, enhancing efficiency and transparency in the process.

The proposed Bill suggests that individuals who have been practicing Muslims for a minimum of five years have the option to dedicate their property to the Waqf, reinstating regulations that were in place prior to 2013.

Furthermore, the Bill mandates that women must receive their inheritance prior to the declaration of Waqf, with specific considerations for widows, divorced women, and orphans.

Additionally, the Bill recommends that a senior officer, above the rank of collector, be assigned to investigate government properties that are being claimed as Waqf.

Moreover, the Bill advocates for the inclusion of non-Muslim members in both central and state Waqf boards to promote diversity and inclusivity.