The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has ignited a fierce political debate. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Waqf Bill called it a “brazen assault on the Constitution.” She accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the bill to polarize society. Gandhi warned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is pushing India toward a future where the Constitution exists only on paper. She stated their “intention is to demolish” democracy.
What is the Waqf Amendment Bill?
The bill is designed to overhaul the management of Waqf property. These properties are used for religious or social purposes according to Islamic law. The bill tries to enhance efficiency, accountability, and transparency of Waqf boards. Nevertheless, opposition parties vehemently oppose it, as the government allegedly “bulldozed” the bill in the Lok Sabha without adequate debate.
Parliamentary Debate and Passage
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 was approved by the Lok Sabha following a fierce debate. While the opposition group ‘INDIA’ was against it, BJP and its supporting parties stood in its favor. They rejected arguments that it was “anti-Muslim” and cited that it would be more transparent and efficient.
In a Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) meeting, Sonia Gandhi on Waqf Bill asked MPs to reveal the “intent to convert India into a surveillance state” of the Modi government. In addition, she condemned the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill as “another subversion of the Constitution.” Congress thus strongly opposes this bill.
Lok Sabha Vote Breakdown
Lok Sabha passed the bill with 288 votes and 232 opposing votes. As it is a measure supporting minorities, and the ruling NDA defended it as such, the opposition branded it as unconstitutional. Thus, all the amendments proposed were rejected by voice votes.
Government’s Defense
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju justified the bill, claiming that India is still the safest country for minorities. He belittled arguments that minority communities don’t feel secure in India. In evidence, Rijiju referred to examples of minorities who were persecuted in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka but took refuge in India
He stressed, “There are some members who say minorities are not safe in India. That is not true. India is the safest country for minorities. I am also a member of a minority group, and we stay here with pride and without fear.”
As the bill proceeds, the argument remains. The argument goes that it promotes transparency, but its impact has been voiced with concerns by its critics. Finally, its future fate and effect on India’s socio-political landscape will be decided by the forthcoming debate in the Rajya Sabha.
