‘Waqf Property is the Backbone of Muslims’ – Kalyan Banerjee Opposes Amendment Bill
New Delhi: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee strongly opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 during its introduction in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. He labeled the bill as a “wrong step” that would negatively impact the Muslim community and called for its immediate withdrawal.
“Waqf property is the backbone of Muslims, and this amendment raises serious concerns regarding Islamic traditions and culture. This is an unconstitutional attempt to take away the rights of minorities,” Banerjee stated in the House. His remarks triggered a heated debate between the opposition and the ruling NDA government.
Government Defends the Bill
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who introduced the bill, countered the opposition’s claims, stating that the amendments were necessary because the previous UPA government had elevated the Waqf Act above other laws. “You are misleading people on issues that are not part of the Waqf Bill. The government respects all religions and is only ensuring better management of Waqf properties,” Rijiju said.
Home Minister Amit Shah also criticized the Congress, alleging that previous committees had merely rubber-stamped decisions without making substantial changes.
Political Divide Over the Bill
The opposition alliance, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and TMC, has labeled the bill unconstitutional, asserting that it undermines minority rights. On the other hand, NDA allies like JDU, TDP, and Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) have extended their support to the government.
With a strong numerical advantage in the Lok Sabha—293 NDA MPs against the required 272 for passage—the ruling party is confident about securing approval for the bill despite the opposition’s outcry. The discussion on the bill is expected to continue for eight hours before a final vote is conducted.
The debate over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 underscores the deep political and ideological divide on the issue, with both sides holding firm to their positions. The final outcome of the bill will be closely watched, as it has significant implications for the governance and management of Waqf properties in India.