The Lok Sabha approved the Waqf Amendment Bill in the early hours of Thursday, April 2, following a 12-hour discussion. The vote concluded with 288 members in favor and 232 opposed.
Waqf Amendment Bill
The Home Minister further charged the Opposition with “fear-mongering” to manipulate “vote bank” politics. The discussion, which commenced on Wednesday afternoon, extended into the early hours of the following day, culminating in a vote division. Tensions escalated between the Treasury and Opposition benches following the introduction of the revised Waqf Amendment Bill, known as the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Bill (UMEED), by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
Akhilesh Yadav on Waqf Bill
Akhilesh Yadav, representing the Samajwadi Party, accused the government of introducing this Bill as a means to divert attention from its shortcomings concerning inflation, unemployment, demonetization, and various other challenges. He raised concerns regarding the stampede that occurred during the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, questioning the government about the fatalities associated with that event. Mr. Yadav asserted that the motives behind this legislation are questionable, suggesting that the BJP aims to manipulate its electoral support. He further stated that this legislation could undermine the secular reputation of the nation.
Krishna Prasad on Waqf Bill
Krishna Prasad Tenneti, representing the TDP, expressed his support for the Bill. He highlighted that Waqf properties, valued at 1.2 lakh crore rupees and encompassing more than 36 lakh acres of land, offer significant potential for economic and social advancement for minority communities. He pointed out that these properties have suffered from underutilization and mismanagement due to ill intentions. Mr. Tenneti also noted that the amendments proposed by his party have been incorporated into the Bill.
ShivSena on Waqf Bill 2025
Shrikant Shinde from Shiv Sena stated that the proposed legislation is titled Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED), which aims to instill hope for advancement among minority communities. He criticized the opposition, including Shiv Sena (UBT), regarding their position on the Bill.
Arvind Sawant from Shiv Sena (UBT) stated that he served as a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) concerning the Waqf Bill. He claimed that thorough discussions on each clause were not conducted within the JPC until the conclusion of the process. Additionally, Mr. Sawant asserted that there is a significant disparity between the Government’s statements and its actions.
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