– Mohammed Atharulla Shareef
New Delhi:Despite wide opposition, the Waqf Amendment Bill has passed both Houses of Parliament. JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal stated, “No protest can stop it.” Home Minister affirmed, “It is the law of the land.”
The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill after 12 hours of debate, with 128 in favor and 95 against. The Lok Sabha earlier passed it with 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
The Bill now awaits President Droupadi Murmu’s assent to become law. It amends the 1995 Act and will be called the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act – ironically named UMEED.
Opposition by Muslim Groups:
AIMPLB slammed the Bill, calling it a violation of Muslims’ constitutional rights. They demanded protests and said Waqf Boards must be governed by Muslims under Islamic law.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind President Sadatulla Husaini called it an attack on religious freedom and secularism. He urged opposition parties and legal experts to challenge it in court and pledged to continue the fight legally and democratically.
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind warned NDA allies that supporting the Bill would mean aiding minority suppression.
Grand Mufti of J&K, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, also opposed the Bill and mentioned exploring the Supreme Court option.
Rajya Sabha Debate Highlights:
Mallikarjun Kharge said the Bill will spark conflict and suppress Muslims. He called it unconstitutional and accused the government of trying to hand over Waqf land to corporates.
BJD’s Muzibulla Khan said the Muslim community is deeply concerned.
DMK’s Tiruchi Siva, TMC’s Nadimul Haque, AAP’s Sanjay Singh, RJD’s Manoj Jha, and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut all opposed it, calling it anti-secular and unconstitutional.
SP’s Dr. Ram Gopal Yadav said India is heading towards totalitarianism.
Congress’ Abhishek Singhvi, NCP’s Praful Patel, NCP-SCP’s Fauzia Khan, Shiv Sena’s Milind Deora, and KC(M)’s Jose Mani also debated.
Gulam Ali, BJP J&K leader, was the only Muslim MP supporting the Bill.
JD(S) chief H.D. Devegowda praised the Bill, citing misuse of Waqf assets.
Voting Pattern Overview:
NDA – Voted in Favor (288 Votes):
BJP (240): Strongly supported, citing transparency and better management.
TDP (16): Supported, asked for state-level flexibility.
JD(U) (12): Voted after getting assurances.
Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) (7): Issued whip to support.
LJP (Ram Vilas) (5): Supported for benefiting poor Muslims.
RLD (2), JD(S) (2), JSP (2) and other NDA allies backed the Bill.
INDIA Bloc – Voted Against (232 Votes):
Congress (99): Opposed, citing religious freedom.
SP (37): Issued whip to oppose.
TMC (28): Called the Bill divisive.
DMK (22): Opposed religious targeting.
RJD (4), SS-UBT (9), NCP-SP (8), CPI(M) (4), AAP (3), JMM (3), IUML (3) and other allies stood against it.
Others:
AIMIM (1): Owaisi strongly opposed.
Azad Samaj Party (1): Opposed.
YSRCP (4): Likely abstained/split.
SAD (1), ZPM (1), VPP (1): Stance unclear.
Analysis:
NDA showed unity with 288 votes from its 293 MPs, possibly backed by independents or smaller parties. INDIA bloc’s 232 votes reflected cohesion, though slightly below total strength. The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill with 128 in favor and 95 against. NDA has 117 MPs in RS, with strength rising to 125 including independents.
Despite BJP not having an absolute majority, its floor management ensured passage. Concerns now rise over BJP’s possible next moves – Places of Worship Act, Uniform Civil Code, and Right to Religion.
