After a tumultuous 13-hour debate, the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 was finally passed in the Lok Sabha, piercing the midnight silence. The controversial bill went to vote late Wednesday night, early Thursday morning. Approximately 520 Members of Parliament participated in the vote, with 288 voting in favor of the bill and 232 against it.
13 Hours of Intense Discussion, Religious Debate Rages in Parliament
The heated discussion on the Waqf Bill began in the Parliament building on Wednesday morning. One after another, MPs voiced their opinions, sometimes fiercely criticizing the bill, and other times arguing in favor of religious harmony. While the ruling party described the bill as necessary for secularism and administrative transparency, the opposition labeled it a 'conspiracy' against minorities.
Dramatic Voting Phase, Amended Bill Passed by Majority After 2 AM
The crucial voting phase in the Parliament commenced after midnight on Wednesday. As the night wore on, MPs cast their votes one by one. Finally, just after 2 AM, the Speaker announced that the amended Waqf Bill 2025 had been passed in the Lok Sabha by a majority vote. The announcement immediately sparked mixed reactions within the House.
Bill to be Presented in Rajya Sabha Today, Potential for Further Intense Debate
The bill is scheduled to be presented in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Sources suggest that this bill could face b opposition in the Rajya Sabha as well. The opposition is prepared, and they may bring forward multiple amendment proposals. Political circles speculate that the government may face an even greater challenge in getting this bill passed in the Rajya Sabha.
TMC MP Calls it 'Dangerous' to the Interests of Minorities, Protest in Parliament
TMC's minority MP, Abu Taher, stated in clear terms, “This bill is showing the path to divide the country in the name of religion. This is unfortunate and condemnable. Waqf endowments are specifically for the Muslim community; if people of other religions are involved in its management, it would amount to religious interference.” His statement in Parliament caused a commotion.
BJP's Counter Explanation: Government Aims to Bring 'Transparency'
On the other hand, MPs from the ruling party argued in favor of the bill, citing transparency and accountability. A senior BJP leader said, “This amendment has been brought to stop the monopoly of decision-making in the Waqf Board. The government's goal is not religious sentiment but to establish administrative justice and clear rules.”
New Turn in Debate on Religion vs. Administration in Parliament, Stir Across the Country
The way the debate unfolded in Parliament over the Waqf Bill makes it clear that this is not just a legal bill; it has now brought a new turn to the question of religion versus administration at the national level. Political circles believe that despite the amendment's passage, the controversy surrounding the bill will further spread across different parts of the country.
