Modi Govt To Table Waqf Bill 2025 In Lok Sabha On April 2 : Reports

The Lok Sabha is gearing up for the presentation of the revised Waqf Bill on April 2, amidst discussions between BJP ministers and India Bloc leaders to garner support. This piece of legislation, aimed at reorganizing the management of Waqf boards-entities in charge of properties for Muslim religious and charitable activities-has sparked controversy and been labeled unconstitutional by critics. With the ongoing Budget session of Parliament set to wrap up by April 4, the bill's passage through both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha is crucial for its implementation.

In preparation for the bill's introduction in Parliament, the Union Cabinet has integrated suggestions from a joint committee, which approved the report despite dissent from 11 opposition MPs. The 655-page document, presented to both houses earlier this month, has been under the lens for its potential impact on the governance of Waqf properties. The legislation, initially brought forward by Rijiju, was referred to the committee in August 2024 for further scrutiny.

Addressing Opposition and Ensuring Transparency

The bill has faced staunch resistance, with detractors arguing it is biased and undermines the rights of Muslims. In response to the backlash, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the government's readiness to debate the amended bill, condemning efforts by some factions to incite unrest and misguide the public regarding its objectives. "There are some groups, especially people from political parties, trying to mislead people over the Waqf Amendment Bill. I want to clearly say to them not to lie and read the bill properly. India is a democratic country, everybody has the right to speak, but there should not be an attempt to mislead people by talking wrong. Waqf Bill will be coming up, we are identifying those groups. This is not good for our country," Rijiju asserted.

The anticipation surrounding the bill's introduction has heightened, especially against the backdrop of protests, including demonstrators donning black armbands to express their dissent. Despite the contention, proponents of the bill advocate for its necessity in fostering transparency and safeguarding Waqf assets from exploitation. This legislative move is not only about restructuring the management of Waqf boards but also about addressing broader concerns over the equitable governance of community resources.

Efforts to Secure Support

With the deadline for the bill's passage fast approaching, senior BJP officials are diligently engaging with leaders from the India Bloc to secure the necessary backing. Their efforts underscore the significance of this bill in the broader context of India's legislative and communal landscape. As the discussions unfold, the outcome of these engagements will be pivotal in determining the bill's fate.