The central government is set to table the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday during the ongoing Budget Session.
The bill, which seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 governing the administration of waqf properties in India, has triggered a fierce political showdown between the ruling NDA and the Opposition.
During the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting on Tuesday, the government allocated eight hours for discussion on the bill.
However, the Congress-led Opposition demanded a 12-hour debate, which was denied. Several Opposition leaders walked out in protest, expressing strong disapproval of the government’s approach.
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju confirmed that the bill would be introduced after the Question Hour.
“In the BAC meeting, I proposed that on 2nd April, we bring the Waqf Amendment Bill, and the committee agreed on an eight-hour discussion, which may be extended if needed,” Rijiju stated.
Opposition United Against the Bill
The Opposition parties, under the INDIA bloc, have unanimously decided to vote against the bill. Following a meeting on Tuesday evening, senior Opposition leader NK Premachandran said, “We have decided to actively participate in the discussion and strongly oppose the bill’s passage.”
The Congress has also issued a whip to all its Lok Sabha MPs, ensuring their presence in Parliament over the next three days.
The bill has been a subject of controversy since its introduction in August 2024. After facing nationwide protests from various Muslim organisations and Opposition parties, it was referred to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for review.
The committee, comprising 21 Lok Sabha and 10 Rajya Sabha members, submitted a detailed 655-page report to Speaker Om Birla on 30th January. Following this, the Union Cabinet approved the revised bill in February, incorporating certain changes recommended by the JPC.
Why the Waqf Bill Has Sparked Controversy
The bill proposes several amendments to the existing Waqf Act, with key provisions sparking strong resistance from Muslim organisations and political parties.
One of the most contentious provisions is the restructuring of the Central Waqf Council and state waqf boards, mandating the inclusion of non-Muslims as members. Critics argue that this undermines the religious autonomy of waqf institutions.
Another controversial amendment allows a senior state government official to have the final authority in deciding whether a property belongs to waqf or the government, replacing the Waqf Tribunal’s role.
Opposition leaders and Muslim groups claim that a government official is unlikely to rule against the government in property disputes.
The bill also proposes changes to the Waqf Tribunal’s composition, adding a state government official alongside a district judge. Furthermore, it mandates the registration of all waqf properties on a central portal within six months of the law’s implementation, with limited extensions allowed.
Another significant change is the removal of the ‘waqf by user’ clause, which previously allowed properties to be designated as waqf if they had been used for religious or charitable purposes over a long period, even without formal documentation.
While the JPC recommended that this clause should not be applied retrospectively, the Opposition has rejected this concession.
Political Reactions and Debate
The bill has ignited a political firestorm, with AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi branding it the “Waqf barbaad bill” and calling it unconstitutional. “If non-Hindus cannot be part of the Hindu Endowment Board, why are non-Muslims being included in waqf bodies?” he questioned.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has dismissed the Opposition’s concerns, accusing them of misleading the Muslim community. “The Waqf system has existed since before Independence. How can it suddenly be unconstitutional now?” he argued.
Interestingly, the government has gained support from unexpected quarters, with the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) urging MPs from the state to back the bill.
Parliament Set for a Stormy Session
With the ruling NDA holding a comfortable majority in both houses, the government is confident of passing the bill.
The NDA currently has 293 MPs in the 543-member Lok Sabha, including 12 from JD(U), whose leader Nitish Kumar has raised concerns but is yet to take a firm stance. In the Rajya Sabha, the NDA has the support of 125 MPs, surpassing the majority mark of 118.
Despite this, the Opposition has vowed to put up a strong fight, ensuring a heated debate in Parliament. With emotions running high and both sides holding firm on their positions, Wednesday’s session is expected to witness an intense political battle over the Waqf Amendment Bill.
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