Calling it a “watershed moment in the collective quest for socio-economic justice and inclusive growth”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the passing of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill by Parliament, that got a nod from both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha after marathon debates.
In the early hours of Friday, the Rajya Sabha cleared the Bill with 128 members voting for it, and 95 opposing it as the proceedings continued until 4 am.
In a series of posts on X, PM Modi said the Bill would provide voice and opportunity to those who have long remained on the margins.
“The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity,” the post read.
Criticising the Waqf system for its past lack of transparency and accountability, PM Modi said it had harmed Muslim women, poor Muslims, and Pasmanda communities.
The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025
“For decades, the Waqf system was synonymous with lack of transparency and accountability. This especially harmed the interests of Muslim women, poor Muslims, and Pasmanda Muslims. The legislations passed by Parliament will boost transparency and also safeguard people’s rights,” he added.
Terming the passage of the bills as “the beginning of an era more modern and sensitive to social justice”, he added: “We remain committed to prioritising the dignity of every citizen. This is also how we build a stronger, more inclusive, and more compassionate India.”
The Bill was tabled in the Rajya Sabha by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, after it was passed in the Lok Sabha by a majority following over 12 hours of discussion. It was later cleared by the Rajya Sabha as well, after a fierce debate in which 128 MPs voted in favour of the bill, while 95 opposed it.
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The discussion in the Rajya Sabha witnessed staunch objections from Opposition parties, which termed the Bill “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional” with the government responding that the “historic reform” would benefit the minority community.
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