Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Congress leader Kharge demands inquiry into Manipur violence, asks govt to table White Paper in House
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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Apr 04, 2025, 04:09:05 IST
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Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Congress leader Kharge demands inquiry into Manipur violence, asks govt to table White Paper in House

Waqf Amendment Bill Live Updates: Union minority affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha for discussion and approval. The bill, formulated based on recommendations from a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), aims to enhance the administration of Waqf properties, integrate technology-driven management, simplify legal complexities, and promote transparency.

As soon as the Amendment Bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha, the member got engaged in the heated debate. Rijiju, during his arguments in the House, said that the Waqf Bill has been renamed as the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Bill.

Deputy leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi alleged that the Waqf bill is a deliberate effort to dilute the Constitution. During the ongoing debate, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad described the Waqf as merely a statutory body and questioned its contributions to public welfare. "The Waqf Board is simply a statutory entity. How many schools and hospitals have been built on its properties?" he asked, challenging its role in serving the community.

Akhilesh Yadav, during his argument over the Waqf bill, took a jibe at the BJP that triggered a political tussle with a tinge of humor. He said, "The party that calls itself the world's largest party has not yet been able to choose its national president."

Meanwhile, Union home minister Amit Shah targeted the Congress for allegedly spreading misinformation on the Waqf Amendment Bill and assured that the legislation does not seek to interfere in Muslims' religious matters.

"That the Waqf bill is interference in Muslims' religious matters and properties donated by them is fear-mongering for vote-bank," he said, as he participated in the debate on the legislation in the Lok Sabha.

As the debate continued, the AIMIM chief Owaisi rejected the Waqf Amendment Bill and termed it as the "unconstitutional." He said, "In this country, the BJP wants to create conflicts in the name of temples and mosques."

Stay with TOI for all the live updates
12:38 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Aam Aadmi Party issues a three-line whip to its Rajya Sabha MPs to remain present in Parliament from 2nd April to 4th April 2025
Waqf Bill Today Live: Aam Aadmi Party issues a three-line whip to its Rajya Sabha MPs to remain present in Parliament from 2nd April to 4th April 2025
12:37 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Kiren Rijiju says changes made during UPA government necessitated amendments
Changes made in Waqf law by UPA government gave it an overriding effect over other statutes, hence new amendments were required: Rijiju
12:32 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: 'Don't mislead with lies, law was amended earlier too,' Kiren Rijiju tables Waqf Bill in Lok Sabha
Union minister Kiren Rijiju, presenting the BJP's stance in the Lok Sabha on the Waqf Amendment Bill, defended the proposed reforms. He questioned the criticism, saying, "Why are we being challenged when we are introducing positive changes? Those who have no direct involvement in the bill are being misled and provoked."
12:20 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Kiren Rijiju introduces Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha
12:12 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Minority affairs minister Kiren Rijiju tables bill in Lok Sabha
Waqf (Amendment) Bill taken up for consideration and passing in Lok Sabha.
12:07 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Gaurav Gogoi will open argument for Congress on Waqf Bill
Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, is set to lead the party’s argument during the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, following its tabling by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday.

The opposition has fiercely criticized the bill, labeling it "unconstitutional" and accusing the BJP of attempting to "strip Muslims of their rights."

Gogoi argued that the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) failed to conduct a clause-by-clause discussion on the bill and accused the government of pushing a law that undermines the Constitution and minority rights.

"The JPC did not hold the necessary clause-by-clause deliberations. From the very beginning, the government's intent has been to introduce a law that is unconstitutional, anti-minority, and disruptive to national harmony," Gogoi stated.
11:52 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav slams Waqf Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha today, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders.

Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav strongly opposed the bill, questioning its fairness and accusing the BJP of attempting to privatize Waqf land.

"Our party will oppose it. What could be a bigger injustice than disregarding the voices of those directly affected by this bill?" Yadav stated.

He alleged that the bill was part of the BJP's broader political strategy and warned that it would lead to the sale of Waqf land.

"BJP is a party obsessed with land... They have sold railway land and defence land, and now Waqf land will also be sold. This is just a ploy to cover up their failures," Yadav asserted, criticizing the government's approach to land management.
11:30 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi protest against Waqf Amendment Bill
Waqf Bill Today Live: Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi protest against Waqf Amendment Bill

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi staged a protest outside Parliament on Wednesday, opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill before its presentation in the House. Dressed in black, he held a placard that read, "Reject Waqf Bill," as part of his demonstration.

The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, which seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, is set to be introduced in Parliament for approval on Wednesday.

11:12 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Jana Sena's Pawan Kalyan directs MPs to support bill
The Jana Sena Party on Wednesday announced its full support for the Waqf Amendment Bill, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha by the central government. Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan has instructed the party's MPs to take part in the voting process and cast their votes in favor of the bill, which seeks to modernize the Waqf Act.

"The central government has introduced the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, and the Jana Sena Party stands in support of it. The party believes this amendment will be beneficial for the Muslim community. In this regard, party president Pawan Kalyan has directed Jana Sena MPs in the Lok Sabha to participate in the voting and back the bill," according to a statement from the party.
10:57 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: NDA has numbers in Lok Sabha
Waqf Bill Today Live: NDA has numbers in Lok Sabha
10:57 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Some leaders misleading Muslims, says minority affairs minister Kiren Rijiju
Union minister of minority affairs, Kiren Rijiju said, "Some leaders, including some religious leaders, are misleading innocent Muslims. The same people said that CAA would take away the citizenship status of Muslims, but nothing like that happened... Many Congress leaders and opposition parties privately say that this Bill is needed, but they are opposing it for vote bank."
10:51 (IST) Apr 02
While the BJP-led government claims that the bill would improve the administration and management of Waqf properties in the country, the opposition has termed it a "targeted legislation" and "fundamentally against the Constitutional provisions."
09:58 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Opposition warns JD (U) and TDP for supporting Waqf bill
Ahead of the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, the Opposition has cautioned BJP allies, particularly Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party, against backing the legislation, warning that they will be held accountable for its passage.

JD(U) and TDP, whose support is crucial for the NDA government's majority, have expressed their backing for the bill.

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor stated that the bill could not become law without the support of leaders like Nitish Kumar.

"The government lacks a majority in the Lok Sabha. This law is being introduced only because leaders like Nitish Kumar are backing the government. If they choose not to support it, the bill cannot be passed into law. The BJP does not see Muslims as part of its vote bank," Kishor told ANI.
09:45 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill Today Live: Congress MP says entire opposition is against Waqf Bill
Congress MP K Suresh said on Wednesday that the INDIA bloc stands in opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill and will resist its passage in Parliament.

"The entire opposition is against this bill. Our representatives in the Joint Parliamentary Committee have also chosen to oppose it. Yesterday, INDIA bloc leaders unanimously agreed to reject the Waqf Amendment Bill," Suresh said.
09:36 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill today Live: Congress Lok Sabha MPs arrive at Parliament Annexe building for a meeting with Lok Sabha LoP MP Rahul Gandhi
09:25 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill today Live: 'The discussion is not about discrimination but about ensuring transparency,' says Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC said, “The purpose of the Waqf Board is to help people and society. However, there are numerous litigation cases and a lot of mismanagement. Whenever an institution wants to work for society, many questions are raised. The discussion in Parliament is not about discrimination but about ensuring transparency and accountability.”
09:17 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill today Live: Congress's Imran Masood says 'ready for discussion'
On Waqf Bill, Congress MP and JPC member Imran Masood said, "We are ready for discussion. But I want to tell you the truth. The government is repeatedly saying that nothing will happen to Muslims, but they have made a provision that any property which is government property, in which the government has a stake, is disputed, that property will not be considered a Waqf until it is investigated by a designated officer, the disputed property will no longer be a Waqf..."
08:58 (IST) Apr 02
Parliament Budget Session Live: What is Janasena's stand on Waqf (Amendment) Bill?
Janasena announced on Tuesday that it will support the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which is scheduled for discussion and passage in the Lok Sabha on April 2. The party stated that it believes the amendment will "benefit" the Muslim community.

"Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan issued directions to party MPs in the Lok Sabha, instructing them to vote in favour of the bill in the Parliament," the party said in a release.

Janasena has two MPs in the Lok Sabha.

According to the release, Kalyan believes that updating the colonial-era Waqf Act to suit current needs will bring "immense benefits."

Janasena is part of the ruling NDA alliance in Andhra Pradesh, which also includes the TDP and BJP.
08:40 (IST) Apr 02
Parliament Budget Session Live: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey says 'Keeping eye on developments'
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey on Tuesday criticized the central government over the Waqf Amendment Bill, stating that the party is closely monitoring the developments.

"We are watching what the representatives of Saugat-e-Modi are doing. What stand will JDU and TDP MPs take? We also gave suggestions in the JPC, and we are keeping an eye on the developments. This country belongs to all of us, and matters in the national interest will become clear in due time. Right now, we are observing what TDP, JDU, and the promoters of Saugat-e-Modi will do," Dubey said while talking to the news agency ANI.

The Waqf Amendment Bill is scheduled to be presented in Parliament on Wednesday. On Tuesday, the BJP issued a whip directing all its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs to be present in Parliament on April 2 and 3, respectively.
08:23 (IST) Apr 02
Parliament Budget Session Live: Siromani Akali Dal passes resolution against Waqf bill during a meeting
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) passed a resolution on Tuesday opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill during its Parliamentary Board meeting. Party leader Daljit S Cheema reaffirmed SAD's support for Muslims, stating that minorities are an integral part of India and that no law should be enacted without their consent. He criticized the proposed amendments, highlighting concerns over the increased nomination process and the potential inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board. Speaking to the news agency ANI in Chandigarh, he emphasized the party’s opposition to these changes.
08:01 (IST) Apr 02
Waqf Bill today Live: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says Waqf Amendment bill is unconstitutional
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, "This is an unconstitutional Bill. We are people who believe in the Constitution. People of BJP want to impose 'Nagpur ka kanoon'; that is not at all acceptable to us. We believe in 'Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb', the diversity of our country is the beauty of it. From the beginning, we have opposed the Bill in both Houses of Parliament as well as the Bihar Legislative Assembly or Bihar Legislative Council. We will oppose it even in the time to come. Such a Bill will never be acceptable to us. Despite his health condition, Lalu ji joined the protest. So, we are clear that we will never accept the Bill."
07:54 (IST) Apr 02
Shams said that the Central government, under PM Modi, has decided to bring poor Muslims into the mainstream. "Poor Muslims have hopes from PM Modi, and that is why we have named this amendment bill as 'Ummeed'. Union minister Kiren Rijiju is the ray of hope. PM Modi's government has decided that it will bring the poor Muslims into the mainstream. It is '70 saal Vs Modi Karyakal'," Shams said while talking to the news agency ANI.
07:51 (IST) Apr 02
Parliament Budget Session Live: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to amend Waqf Act, 1995
The bill was first introduced in the Lok Sabha in August last year. After that, a Joint Parliamentary Committee, led by Jagdambika Pal, was set up for further review.

The bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to address issues in the regulation and management of Waqf properties.

It aims to improve the administration of Waqf properties in India by fixing shortcomings in the existing law. The proposed changes include renaming the Act, updating the definition of Waqf, improving the registration process, and using technology for better management of Waqf records.

The Waqf Act of 1995 was introduced to regulate Waqf properties but has faced criticism for problems like mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.
07:49 (IST) Apr 02
Parliament Budget Session Live Updates: NDA, INDIA bloc parties issue whip to all MPs
Like the BJP and Congress, their allies have also directed all their MPs to attend Parliament on April 2 and 3.

The opposition has strongly opposed the Waqf Bill. Samajwadi Party (SP) chief whip Dharmendra Yadav issued a three-line whip, instructing all SP MPs in the Lok Sabha to be present on April 2 and take part in discussions on the bill.

On Tuesday, INDIA bloc floor leaders met in Parliament to discuss their strategy regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

The bill was first introduced in the Lok Sabha in August last year. After that, a Joint Parliamentary Committee, led by Jagdambika Pal, was formed to review it further.
07:47 (IST) Apr 02
Parliament Budget Session Live Updates: Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, to be tabled in Lok Sabha today
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is scheduled to be presented in Parliament on Wednesday. Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress have instructed their MPs to be present in the House.

Since there is no agreement between the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance and the Opposition INDIA bloc, the decision on the bill will likely depend on the majority vote in the House.

The bill will be introduced after the Question Hour today for consideration and approval, followed by an 8-hour discussion, which may be extended.
Originally introduced in the Lok Sabha in August last year, the bill was later referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee led by Jagdambika Pal for further review.

The bill aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to address challenges in managing and regulating Waqf properties. The proposed changes seek to improve the administration of Waqf properties by renaming the Act, updating the definition of Waqf, streamlining the registration process, and incorporating technology for better record management.

The Waqf Act of 1995, which was enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has faced criticism over issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The amendment bill seeks to resolve these concerns and improve the efficiency of Waqf Boards.