Lok Sabha Approves Waqf Amendment Bill After Intense Debate
SRINAGAR: Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill following a heated 12-hour discussion, with the government defending the proposed changes while the opposition strongly criticized them. The ruling NDA argued that the amendments would benefit minorities, whereas the opposition labeled the bill as “anti-Muslim” and an attack on constitutional rights and federalism.
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, addressing the debate, reaffirmed that India remains the safest country for minorities, crediting this to the secular ethos of the majority population. Despite opposition protests, all proposed amendments were rejected through a voice vote before the bill was passed.
The legislation will now proceed to the Rajya Sabha, where another extensive debate is anticipated. The updated bill incorporates recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which had reviewed the draft introduced in August last year. Additionally, the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 was also passed during the session.
Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, political and community leaders have raised concerns over the amendments, criticizing the government’s lack of engagement on local issues. They argue that the proposed changes could significantly impact Waqf properties both within and beyond the region.kashmir life