Waqf Amendment Bill passed in LS; 288 MPs vote in favour, 232 against

New Delhi: Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 with 288 in favour and 232 against it after a 12-hour debate. Treasury and Opposition benches exchanged sharp views during the debate.

The bill will now be introduced and discussed in the Rajya Sabha. After Rajya Sabha passes the bill, it will become a law.

Waqf properties in India

India has the largest Waqf properties in the world, said Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju while presenting the bill.

There are 8.72 lakh Waqf properties in the country.

Disputes and pending cases in court are 30,000, according to the report in Parliament.

What does the bill propose to do?

Improve the administration of properties

Introduce technology-driven management

Address complexities and ensure transparency

Amit Shah targets Congress

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his 45-minute speech, reiterated that the Congress is allegedly spreading misinformation on the Bill. Shah said, "That the Waqf bill is interference in Muslims' religious matters and properties donated by them is fear-mongering for vote-bank.”

Opposition called the bill unconstitutional

Opposition members who were given time to discuss the bill reiterated that the bill is unconstitutional.

Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav said, “The government is interested only in Waqf lands. They want to sell those lands.”

Gaurav Gogoi, deputy leader of Congress, said, “ Government is diluting the constitution with this bill. They are defaming and dividing the Indian Society. The legal hurdles will take too long to resolve, and the government is only making it difficult for the minority community.”