New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill early Friday after a marathon 13-hour debate, marking its approval by both Houses of Parliament. The Bill, which was cleared by the Lok Sabha on Thursday, saw strong support from the ruling BJP, with 128 votes in favor in the Upper House, while 95 members opposed it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the passage of the Bill, calling it a historic step toward “socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth.” In a post on X, he stated that the legislation would empower marginalized communities, including women and Pasmanda Muslims, who have long faced systemic disadvantages under traditional Waqf laws.
However, the move faced sharp criticism from the Opposition. Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, accused the BJP of undermining minority rights, saying, “The government has taken a negative stand, pushing forward its own interpretation while ignoring our concerns.” The Congress leader also took a swipe at the ruling party, alleging an attempt to dilute protections for minority institutions.
The BJP, meanwhile, defended the Bill as a “historic reform” that would bring greater accountability to Waqf boards. Party leaders also pointed out that no member of the Gandhi family participated in the parliamentary debate, leaving their stance on the issue unclear.
The Rajya Sabha adjourned at 4:02 AM after the vote and resumed later in the morning for further proceedings. The legislation now awaits the President’s assent before becoming law.
