New Delhi: Parliament in the wee hours of Friday (April 4, 2025) morning cleared the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, after nearly 14-hour debate in Rajya Sabha by 128 members voting in favour and 95 against. The government maintained that the law is not directed against the Muslims, instead it only aims to bring transparency in the administration of Waqf properties, while the Opposition alleged that it was aimed at reducing Muslims as “second-class citizens” and questioned both “intent and content” of the bill.
The gap between the treasury benches and opposition was much narrower in the Upper House in comparison the to Lok Sabha, where it was cleared on Thursday by a margin of 56 votes. Earlier, an amendment against the clause on inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf Board and Central Waqf Council was moved by DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, which was negatived, with 125 votes against it and 92 in favour.
