New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill after an intense 12-hour debate, with the government strongly defending the amendments against opposition allegations of encroachment on constitutional and Muslim rights, as well as attacks on federalism. The bill was approved with 288 votes in favour and 232 against.
GoI Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the bill had been renamed the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill. He dismissed claims that the Joint Parliamentary Committee’s recommendations were ignored and emphasized the bill’s structured approach to Waqf management reforms.
The government argued that the existing Waqf law was altered in 2013 under the Congress-led UPA government for political appeasement, a charge reiterated by Home Minister Amit Shah. The opposition, however, accused the BJP of attempting to dilute constitutional safeguards, while the ruling party countered with claims of fearmongering.
Initially allotted an eight-hour discussion, the debate stretched beyond 12 hours, featuring heated exchanges and voting on multiple amendments. With the bill now passed, the government maintains that the reforms will bring efficiency and transparency to Waqf management.
