New Delhi: Amid strong opposition protests, the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025 (Ummed) was passed today in the Lok Sabha. The bill was introduced by Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju. Although initially eight hours were allotted for discussion on the bill, it was later extended to twelve hours following demands from the opposition parties.
After an intense debate between the ruling NDA and the opposition, voting was conducted at 12:30 a.m., and Speaker Om Birla announced the results at 12:40 a.m. A total of 288 members voted in favor of the bill, while 232 voted against it. Subsequently, voting took place on various amendments proposed by MPs, and the process continued until 2 a.m. Voting was conducted both verbally and electronically.
While presenting the bill today, Rijiju stated that the previous UPA government had amended the Waqf Act in a way that made it controversial, rigid, and separate from other laws. Therefore, new amendments were necessary. Rijiju also criticized the opposition in the House, accusing them of misleading people by raising irrelevant issues not mentioned in the Waqf Bill.
Voting After 12-Hour Debate
Votes in favor of the bill: 288
Votes against the bill: 232
Opposition’s amendment proposals rejected
On the other hand, opposition parties accused the central government of interfering in the religious affairs of Muslims. During the debate, Union Home Minister Amit Shah clarified that non-Muslim members of the Waqf Board will have no role in the management of religious affairs.