JP Nadda Defends Waqf Amendment Bill, Accuses Opposition Of Trying To Obstruct It

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing that the proposed changes are not directed against Muslims nor meant to harm their religious sentiments. Defending the bill, Leader of the Rajya Sabha and Union Minister JP Nadda asserted that the legislation is in the nation's best interest. He accused the Opposition of attempting to obstruct the bill, which has been put forward by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Speaking in the House, Nadda stated, "I stand in support of this bill and hope that the House will endorse it. I believe the UMEED (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development) initiative will receive backing."

Objective of the Waqf Amendment Bill

Nadda highlighted that the primary goal of the bill is to introduce reforms and ensure the proper management of Waqf properties. He stressed the need for transparency and accountability, claiming that between 2013 and 2025, the existing law had been misused, causing significant harm to the Muslim community. According to Nadda, the land mafia took advantage of the loopholes, leading to large-scale financial exploitation.

He further stated that the bill has undergone extensive discussions but accused some factions of trying to derail the vision set forth by Prime Minister Modi. He rejected claims that the government was attempting to "bulldoze" the bill and emphasized that the administration was committed to democratic reforms. Nadda remarked, "In courts, when you have strong arguments, you present them clearly. However, when arguments are weak, voices are raised, and issues are sensationalized. I noticed similar tactics being used in the Lok Sabha as well."

Restrictions on Waqf Land Acquisition

During the Rajya Sabha debate, the BJP chief criticized the existing Waqf law for restricting citizens from challenging Waqf Board decisions in court. He referred to a Supreme Court ruling that equated property rights with the fundamental right to life, stating that unjust appropriation of land violated constitutional principles.

Nadda clarified that under the new legislation, Waqf authorities would not be permitted to take over properties protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), historical or religious monuments, or land belonging to tribal communities.