Lok Sabha passes historic Waqf Amendment Bill | HIGHLIGHTS

Lok Sabha passed historic Waqf Amendment Bill after 12-hour discussion, Rajya Sabha to decide its fate today. 

The amendments brought by the opposition against the Waqf Amendment Bill fell one after the other in the House. These amendments included amendments from Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi, Imran Masood, TMC's Saugata Roy and AIMIM supremo Asaduddin Owaisi.

Voting underway on Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha after heated discussion.

Voting underway for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha.

Speaking in Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju takes a jibe at AIMIM Chief Asasuddin Owaisi; says, "...AIMIM Chief Asasuddin Owaisi raised various issues and made an allegation that for the Muslims, provision is being made for the children of Muslims in the Waqf. Why is no provision being made for the Hindus? I want to tell him that there is already a provision for the Hindus. There is no need to make another law on it..."

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the Waqf Bill is constitutional and is being wrongly labeled as unconstitutional. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "I want to thank all the leaders for keeping their views regarding the Bill... Some leaders are saying that the bill is unconstitutional, and I want to ask them how they could say that the bill is unconstitutional. If it was unconstitutional, why didn't the court strike it down?... words like unconstitutional should not be used...the Bill is not against the Constitution, as the opposition claimed...We should not use the words ‘constitutional’ and ‘unconstitutional’ so lightly.”"

Chairman of the JPC on Waqf and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal slams AIMIM Chief Asasuddin Owaisi for tearing the #WaqfAmendmentBill during his remarks in the ongoing debate in the Lok Sabha. He said, "Asasuddin Owaisi calls the bill unconstitutional, but he has done the unconstitutional thing by tearing up the bill...I want to ask him why he tore the bill?..."

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi expressed his strong opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha by tearing a copy of the bill.  

Rahul Gandhi said, "The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a weapon aimed at marginalising Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights. This attack on the Constitution by the RSS, BJP and their allies is aimed at Muslims today but sets a precedent to target other communities in the future. The Congress party strongly opposes this legislation as it attacks the very idea of India and violates Article 25, the Right to Freedom of Religion."

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi attacked the government over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, calling it an attack on the largest minority in the country.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey attacked Opposition MPs for challenging why there should be non-Muslims on the Waqf board. Dubey questioned that when non-Muslims can donate big to the Waqf, why can’t anyone from them be on the board?

BJP MP Sambit Patra said that there is 'pariwar' which has more land than the Waqf board, the defence ministry and the railway ministry and that it should be probed.

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya said, "The concept of Section 40 - Waqf by User and Oral Waqf was a potent cocktail that enabled the Waqf Board to usurp any land that it wished. Those who had a problem with this were forced to go before the Waqf Tribunal. This Waqf Tribunal was a kangaroo court and its orders were final and you couldn't even go in appeal. On top of this, you had the Limitation Act, If you are an aggrieved party, you had only one year to go before the Waqf Tribunal whose order was final but if you are the Waqf Board, you had no Limitation Act applied on you; even after 500 years, 1000 years you could go and start a claim. This was the Frankenstein Monster that was created by the Waqf Act of 2013 where the Waqf Board was judiciary, legislature, executive all rolled in one, there was no concept of separation of powers..."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "You (Opposition) would break this country...Through this House, I would like to tell Muslims of the country that not even one non-Muslim would come into your Waqf. This Act has no such provision. But what would the Waqf Board and Waqf Council do? To catch the people selling off Waqf properties and drive them out, to catch those who lease off their properties for 100 years in the name of Waqf. The income of Waqf is dropping; the income with which we have to do development for minorities and push them forward, that money is being stolen. Waqf Board and Council will stop that."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah says in Lok Sabha, "Where will non-Muslim members be included? In the Council and the Waqf Board. What would they do? They won't run any religious activity. They would only look after the administration of property donated by someone under Waqf Law, whether it is being done as per law, whether the property is being used for the intent with which it was donated."

Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha said that Waqf council and boards will be aimed at catching those exploiting Waqf properties.

Amit Shah slammed the Congress for donating 123 VIP properties in New Delhi to the Waqf board just ahead of the 2014 polls. He said the Congress also donated railway land to the Waqf by making amendments to the Waqf Act in 2013.

Home Minister Amit Shah assured that no non-Muslim would be allowed to be part of the Waqf Board management. 

Shah said, "...Waqf Act and Board came into effect in 1995. All the arguments about the inclusion of non-Muslims inclusion are about interference in the Waqf. First of all, no non-Muslim would come into the Waqf. Understand this clearly...There is no such provision to include any non-Muslim among those who manage the religious institutions; we do not want to do this...This is a huge misconception that this Act will interfere with the religious conduct of Muslims and interfere with the property donated by them. This misconception is being spread to instil fear among minorities for their vote bank."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "I stand in support of the Bill introduced by my ministerial colleague. I have been carefully hearing the discussion going on since 12 noon...I feel that there are several misconceptions among several Members, either genuinely or politically. Also, through this House, attempts are being made to spread those misconceptions across the country..."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is speaking on Waqf Bill in Lok Sabha.

Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ramvilas) MP, Arun Bharti, slammed Opposition parties for opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, saying they are 'fear-mongering' over the legislation. Bharti said the Opposition parties fear that they will lose their vote bank if this bill was passed.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP K Radhakrishnan opposesed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. 

Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party MP PV Mudhin Reddy opposes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it unconstitutional.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sudhakar Singh called Waqf Bill Centre's conspiracy to usurp Waqf land, and said if allowed today, the BJP will attempt to usurp temple lands in future.

Tamil Nadu: SDPI workers detained by police as they staged a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Chennai.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur hit back at Rahul Gandhi’s claim that the nation is being controlled by a select few, questioning whether he would also oppose the 200 members of the Waqf who own land worth lakhs of crores across the country.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur said, "This is not a Bill but UMMEED (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development). This UMMEED has empowerment, efficiency and development. Looking at this, the people of the country are supporting it. Several organisations like Catholic Bishops Conference of India, Church of Bharat, Kerala Council of Churches and Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council, All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council and Muslim Rashtriya Manch have supported it. I thank them for this. It is time to amend the Waqf because this has become a base of atrocity and corruption. It is time to end and amend this. India needs liberation from the fear of Waqf because the Waqf law formed during Congress regime meant 'khaata na bahi, jo Waqf kahe wahi sahi'..."

BJP MP Anurag Thakur said that Congress is opposing the Waqf Bill because they usurped huge chunks of Waqf lands and fear that they will be exposed.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur said that the new legislation will be the final nail in the coffin for the Congress's appeasement politics.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur, while speaking in the Lok Sabha on the Waqf (Amedment) Bill, slammed Opposition parties for opposing the legislation. He said that the partition happened on religious lines, hence, we cannot allow another partition of the country. "India has seen a partition in 1947. That partition happened because of one family and one party. Today we will not allow a second partition in the name of land jihad. We will not allow it to happen. India needs freedom from the fear of Waqf board," said Thakur.

On the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, AAP MP Sanjay Singh said, "This is an illegitimate bill focused only on instigating violence in the country. It has been brought seeing the assembly elections in Bihar and West Bengal. Its only aim is to create controversy..."

On the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, Chairman of the JPC on Waqf and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal said, "He has made it clear the idea behind the bill and the benefit it will have. So far, there was no digitalisation and registration of Waqf properties. The income from Waqf properties is constantly reducing and it was not benefitting anyone. We have given a chance to women in the Waqf Board… The opposition is just giving speeches here for appeasement and consider Muslims just as their vote bank…"

Congress MP Imran Masood has alleged that the new Waqf (Amendment) Bill gives a "designated officer" unchecked authority to decide on disputed properties without a fixed timeframe, which he claims is a move by the government to grab the land.

On the Waqf Amendment Bill, BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said, "This bill will strengthen the property of Waqf. This will not pose any threat to anyone. Women will get representation in this... Waqf is for the poor and orphans. If someone else was taking advantage of this, their rights would definitely be snatched, and it would reach the common Muslims. Today the Waqf Bill will be passed."

Shrikant Shinde, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) MP, backs the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. He said that the bill is not for appeasement, but for upliftment. It is for the nation and not for or against any particular religion.

Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde said, "On behalf of Shiv Sena and my leader Eknath Shinde, I completely support this Bill. This is a historic and important day...First Article 370, then Triple Talaq and CAA, and now this Bill has been brought to this House for the welfare of the poor...I was pained upon hearing his (UBT's Arvind Sawant) speech. It was very shocking. I would like to ask UBT a question, they should ask their conscience whether they would have spoken the same had Balasaheb (Thackeray) been alive today. It is clear today whose ideology UBT is adopting today and opposing this Bill. They had a golden opportunity to rectify their mistakes, rewrite their history and keep their ideology alive...But UBT bulldozed their ideology beforehand...Had Balasaheb been here today and read UBT's dissent note, he would have been pained..."

On the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "We support the Waqf Board bill that has come. This bill has once again given place to Muslim women in the Waqf Board. This bill is not against any religion. This bill is to correct the mistakes that were made."

On Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said, "Shiv Sena's stand on Waqf has always been very clear. We follow Balasaheb's ideology, and we can never compromise ideology for power and selfishness."

Shiv Sena (UBT) targeted the Modi government during the discussion on the bill. Party MP Arvind Sawant said that there is a lot of difference between the government's words and actions. He said that the BJP should not teach us Hindutva.

Speaking at the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Union Minister Lalan Singh questioned provisions of Waqf Act, 1995, which allowed the Muslim body to claim any land. "What type of law was that which allowed Waqf to lay their hand on any land and own it?", he said.

BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, "'Amrit Kaal' is ongoing, the present Waqf system is disputed, and ‘Amrut’ will emerge from the discussion taking place on this matter. This is a concern of Parliament, and only it can address it properly."

TDP MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti speaks in support of the Bill and said, "The TDP's role in shaping this Bill shows our commitment to Muslim and minority welfare. Ensuring the welfare of minorities has always been the top priority since the formation of our party..."

On Waqf Amendment Bill, AIMIM National Spokesperson Waris Pathan said, "This Bill is unconstitutional. It is in total violation of Articles 14, 25 and 26. This Bill is unconstitutional... In Lok Sabha, the BJP does not have the majority...If they want to pass the bill, they will need support from Chandrababu Naidu, Nitish Kumar, Chirag Paswan and Jayant Chaudhary, and if these people support the bill, India's Muslims will never forgive them..."

Janata Dal (United) leader Lalan Singh strongly supported the Waqf Bill on behalf of his party in the Lok Sabha. He said that this bill is not anti-Muslim, and JDU will vote in favor of the bill. He said that justice has been done to all the people in the Waqf Bill.

On Waqf Bill, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said, "Since the BJP came to power in 2014, something or the sort has been happening against Muslims. Lynching, demolition of mosques, bulldozer actions are happening, now they are trying to overpower Waqf. The strength of the country is constitution. They are not having the faith in the constitution, if it was so, this would not have been happening. I feel the people of India, especially Hindu brothers should come out and support, if they will continue to be silent, the situation of Myanmar, Pakistan will be there in India. There is a big Hindu population who have been secular, BJP wants to finish it for the sake of votes. People of India have a regret that Kashmiri Muslims could not protect Kashmiri Pandits, we also have the regret, we could have done a lot. We have a lot of hope from Hindus of the country." 

On the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan said in Mathura, "When I was a minister in Uttar Pradesh, the Waqf department was with me. There is nothing but 90% litigation there. Is any work being done for the society in all the Waqfs in Mathura? There are many litigations on one land which should be resolved. The poor are not getting any benefit from this. Today Waqf is occupied by big people."

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP A Raja, while speaking in Lok Sabha, opposed the proposed legislation and launched a scathing attack on the central government. He called the Waqf Bill 'anti-minority' and 'unconstitutional'.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin wrote a letter to the Prime Minister urging the Central Government to completely withdraw the proposed Waqf Bill 2024.

TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee claimed in Lok Sabha that the Waqf Bill introduced by the government is a bid to occupy Waqf properties by the government bodies. He said that the Waqf properties represent the backboneof the Muslim community.

"Waqf Bill is a bid to occupy Waqf properties by government bodies. The ruling party has evil intentions by bringing this Bill. The changes proposed are unwarranted. Waqf property represents the backbone of the Muslim community," he said.

Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, targeted the BJP-led government over the Waqf Amendment Bill alleging that the legislation is against "the integrity of the nation" and that government is "interfering in this matter of religion". Participating in the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in Lok Sabha, Gogoi said the nationalism of Congress is that which is enshrined in the Constitution.

"Did the Minority Affairs Ministry make this bill, or did some other department make it? Where did this Bill come from?... Today, the condition of minorities in the country has become such that today, the government will have to give a certificate of their religion... Will they ask for a certificate from other religions whether you have completed five years or not? Why is this being asked in this bill? Why is the government interfering in this matter of religion," Gogoi said.

Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on the BJP over the Mahakumbh preparations, alleging that the ruling party invited 100 crore people without adequate planning, leading to chaos and missing persons.

“Everyone knows how many lives were lost during Mahakumbh. The BJP called 100 crore people without proper arrangements. Where are the 1,000 Hindus who have gone missing?” Yadav said.

Akhilesh Yadav took a swipe at the BJP, questioning its inability to appoint a national president despite claiming to be the world’s largest party. Speaking at a public event, Yadav said, “The party that calls itself the world’s largest has still not been able to choose its national president.”

Responding sharply, Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the BJP’s internal process and took a dig at opposition parties, particularly the Samajwadi Party.

“All the parties in front of me have their national president chosen by just a few family members. We, on the other hand, have to select a leader from 12-13 crore members through a process, which takes time,” Shah said.

He further mocked Yadav’s leadership within the SP, saying, “In your case, it won’t take much time. I can confidently say you will remain the president for 25 years.”

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav during his address in Lok Sabha, took a swipe at the BJP, saying, "The world's largest party has yet to decide its national president".

Responding to Yadav, Home Minister Amit Shah countered, "Parties like yours have to pick a president from just five members. There’s never a delay. I say this to you—you will remain president for the next 25 years".

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, during his address in Lok Sabha, slammed the BJP and said that the contentious Waqf Amendment Bill has been brought to hide the failures of the current regime. "Whenever the BJP introduces a new bill, they are hiding their failure," he said.

Former Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, while responding to Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi's remarks on the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, accused the Congress of opposing the bill due to political appeasement.

Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday said that the Opposition actually wants amendment but was forced to oppose the Waqf Bill.

The Biju Janata Dal in Odisha on Wednesday said it will oppose the contentious legislation and added that it had made some suggestions to be incorporated into the Bill which were rejected. The BJD, which has seven members in the Rajya Sabha, will oppose the Bill, BJD’s Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sasmit Patra told PTI.

 After Gaurav Gogoi, now Ravi Shankar Prasad addresses Lok Sabha on Waqf Amendment Bill  

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it an "attack on the federal structure of the Constitution." He accused the government of attempting to create divisions among people through the proposed legislation.

Speaking in Parliament, Gogoi said, "This bill is not just about amendments; it is a direct assault on the federal principles enshrined in our Constitution. The government is using such legislation to divide communities instead of focusing on governance and development."

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused Union Minister Kiren Rijiju of making "misleading statements" regarding the Waqf Bill. Gogoi’s remarks came amid heated discussions in Parliament over the legislation, which has sparked a political debate.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated in the Lok Sabha that Waqf properties are private in nature and should not be equated with land holdings of the Railways or armed forces.

Responding to concerns raised during the parliamentary session, Rijiju emphasised that comparing Waqf properties to government land banks is misleading. He clarified that Waqf lands belong to specific trusts and religious communities, unlike state-owned assets managed for public infrastructure and defense purposes.

Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, alleging that the previous UPA government had handed over several key properties to the Delhi Waqf Board.

Addressing the House, Rijiju cited an ongoing case since 1970 involving multiple properties in Delhi, including the CGO Complex and the Parliament building. He claimed that the Delhi Waqf Board had staked a claim over these properties.

"The case was in court, but during the UPA government’s tenure, 123 properties were denotified and transferred to the Waqf Board. If we had not brought this amendment today, even the Parliament building we are sitting in could have been claimed as Waqf property," Rijiju stated.

Kiren Rijiju addressed the Lok Sabha on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, emphasizing its historical roots. Speaking during the discussion, Rijiju stated, “This bill is not new. Its history dates back to pre-Independence in 1913 when the ‘Mussalman Waqf Validating Act’ was passed. Later, in 1923, the ‘Mussalman Waqf Act’ was introduced, focusing on accounting and transparency.”

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday assured the Lok Sabha that the government would not interfere in any religious institution, as opposition parties staged a noisy protest over the Waqf Bill.

Addressing the House amid the uproar, Rijiju stated, "The government is not going to interfere in any religious institution." 

Kiren Rijiju expressed confidence that even those opposing the legislation would eventually support it with a positive mindset. Speaking in the House, Rijiju remarked, "Kisi ki baat koi bad-guma na samjhega. Zameen ka dard kabhi aasamaan nahi samjhega… I not only hope, but I am sure that those who oppose this bill will also have a change in their hearts. Everyone will support this bill with a positive attitude."

After introducing the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju lauded the extensive deliberations that took place in the Joint Committee of Parliament, calling it a historic discussion.

"I want to say that the discussion on the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Joint Committee of both Houses has been unparalleled in the parliamentary history of India. Such a comprehensive review has never been conducted before," Rijiju said.

Kiren Rijiju highlighted the comprehensive discussions undertaken by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), stating that all political parties were consulted, and an unprecedented level of debate took place.

Addressing the media, Rijiju emphasized that the JPC meticulously examined over 9.7 lakh suggestions received during the deliberations. “Such an in-depth discussion has never happened before,” he asserted, underscoring the scale of the consultative process.

Kiren Rijiju accused the opposition of spreading misinformation regarding the Waqf Bill during a heated debate in the Lok Sabha. Rijiju asserted that the opposition was misleading people by raising issues that were not part of the bill.

"You tried to mislead people on issues that are not even included in the Waqf Bill," Rijiju said, countering the opposition’s claims.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday introduced the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. The proposed legislation aims to bring changes to the existing Waqf Act, with a focus on streamlining governance and management of waqf properties across the country.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday clarified that the bill was sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) before being introduced in Parliament and was passed by the Cabinet beforehand.

Speaking in the House, Shah said, “The bill was first passed by the Cabinet and only then introduced. Moreover, before its presentation, it was referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed examination.”

Former Bihar Chief Minister and HAM(S) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi has called on the INDI alliance to back the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, urging them to recall past statements made by RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on the issue.

In a post on X, Manjhi stated that opposition to the bill was primarily due to the fact that it was being introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

"Some people are opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill only because it is being brought by the Narendra Modi-led government. However, back in 2010, Lalu Prasad Yadav himself advocated for stricter waqf laws," Manjhi wrote.

Shiv Sena (UBT) has outlined its stance on the proposed Waqf Bill, expressing apprehensions about potential government control over Waqf properties. According to sources, the party has put forth three key demands regarding the bill:

1. No alterations should be made to existing Waqf properties.
2. The number of non-Muslim members on the Waqf Board should not exceed a certain limit.
3. The final authority on Waqf-related decisions should rest with the courts rather than the District Magistrate.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly criticised the government over the proposed Waqf Bill, alleging that their suggestions were ignored and the legislation threatens their rights.

In a statement, AIMPLB accused the government of sidelining their concerns, stating, "The government has not considered our suggestions. This Waqf Bill is taking away our rights."

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has issued a three-line whip to its Lok Sabha MPs, directing them to be present in Parliament today. The move comes amid crucial discussions and potential legislative developments in the House.

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi staged a protest outside Parliament on Wednesday against the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, ahead of its tabling in the House. Dressed in black, Pratapgarhi held a placard that read, "Reject Waqf Bill," as he voiced his opposition to the proposed amendments.

Ahead of the commencement of the parliamentary session, the Congress Parliamentary Party convened a meeting with all its Lok Sabha MPs at the Parliament House Annexe on Wednesday.

During the meeting, party leaders discussed strategies to firmly present Congress’s stance on the WAQF Bill in the House. The discussion focused on ensuring a strong and united approach on the issue as the party prepares for debates in Parliament.

A massive security arrangement has been put in place at Ghantaghar Chowk, with heavy police presence and deployment of paramilitary forces. The heightened security comes on the day the Waqf Bill is set to be presented, ensuring strict vigilance in the area. Authorities have intensified monitoring to prevent any untoward incidents, maintaining law and order in the city.

JDU National Spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan on Thursday clarified the party’s stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill, stating that the doubts JDU had regarding the bill were addressed through their suggestions. He emphasised that most of JDU’s recommendations were accepted before the bill was introduced.

According to Ranjan, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took inputs from prominent Muslim community leaders before finalizing his stance on the bill. Based on these consultations, JDU decided to support the amendments after its key concerns were incorporated.

Following the incorporation of its suggestions, the party officially decided to back the bill, leading to a whip being issued for all JDU MPs to vote in its favour.

The Congress party has finalised its list of seven speakers for the upcoming debate, with Gaurav Gogoi set to initiate the discussion on behalf of the party.

According to sources, senior leaders Mohd Javed and Imran Masood will also participate in the debate, representing the party’s stance on key issues.

The Congress has been allotted 90 minutes for its arguments, during which its leaders are expected to present their views and counter the opposition.

The Waqf Amendment Bill is set to be tabled in an amended form, with BJP MP and Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) chairman Jagdambika Pal hailing the development as a “historic day” that will benefit poor Muslims and the general public.

“Our hard work has paid off. The government is bringing the bill in an amended form today. With its passage, the poor Muslims and common people will benefit,” Pal said.

Party president Pawan Kalyan has issued directives to Janasena MPs in the Lok Sabha, instructing them to actively participate in the voting process and support the bill. The party emphasised that the amendment aligns with its commitment to community welfare and inclusive governance.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi arrived at the Parliament Annexe building on Wednesday for a meeting with the party’s Lok Sabha MPs. 

Rajya Sabha MP and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Kapil Sibal on Wednesday questioned the intent behind the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which the ruling party has decided to present and pass in the Lok Sabha.

Speaking on the proposed legislation, Sibal said, “Reform is necessary in every religion, and reform is a good thing. But what is the intent behind this? Since 2014, we have seen that a particular religious community is being targeted.”

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Rajya Sabha-approved amendments to the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which modifies key financial legislations, including the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, and the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju is set to move the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, in Parliament today for passage. The bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995.

The Lok Sabha is set to debate the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, with the Rajya Sabha scheduled to take it up the following day. The bill has sparked intense political debate, with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) pushing for its passage, while opposition parties have united against it, calling it unconstitutional.