Politics

Breaking News 2025: Waqf Amendment Bill Sparks Political Firestorm!!

Preeti Sharma10 months ago10 months ago05 mins

🎭 The Drama Unfolds 🎭

The Waqf Amendment Bill, tabled in the Lok Sabha in August last year, has become the center of a heated political showdown. A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has voted in favor of 14 key alterations to the draft, sparking fierce debates and accusations of a “direct attack on freedom of religion.” With the ruling BJP pushing for changes and the opposition crying foul, this is one political drama you don’t want to miss! 🍿

Table of Contents

**📜 The Spicy Details 📜**

The Waqf Amendment Bill seeks to overhaul the management of Muslim charitable properties in India. The 14 alterations proposed by the JPC include:

Non-Muslim Members: The bill now mandates at least two non-Muslim members in Waqf councils, with the possibility of more if nominated ex-officio members are also non-Muslim.
Property Determination: The power to decide if a property is ‘Waqf’ has been shifted from the District Collector to a state-nominated officer.
No Retrospective Application: The law will not apply retrospectively to properties already registered, a move that has raised eyebrows since 90% of Waqf properties are reportedly unregistered.
Donor Requirements: Proposed by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, donors must now prove they have been practicing Islam for at least five years and ensure no “contrivance” in the dedication of the property.

**📊 The Political Battle 📊**

The JPC, dominated by BJP and allied MPs, voted 10:16 to reject 44 proposals from the opposition. Here’s the breakdown:

Party	Proposals Made	Proposals Accepted
BJP & Allies	23	14
Opposition	44	0

The opposition, led by Trinamool’s Kalyan Banerjee and AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi, has slammed the changes as unconstitutional, citing violations of Article 15 (right to practice religion) and Article 30 (rights of minority communities). Owaisi even called it a “direct attack on freedom of religion.” 💥

**❓ FAQs: What’s the Big Deal? ❓**

What is the Waqf Act?
The 1995 Waqf Act regulates auqaf (charitable properties donated by Muslims) and was last amended in 2013.
Why is this bill controversial?
Critics argue it undermines Muslim autonomy over charitable properties and imposes state control.
What’s next?
The final report will be submitted by January 31, and the bill is expected to be tabled in the Budget Session.
Who benefits?
The BJP claims the changes will empower Muslim women, but opponents see it as a move to dilute minority rights.

**📈 The Bigger Picture 📈**

This bill isn’t just about property management—it’s a political chess game with high stakes. The BJP, lacking a majority in the Lok Sabha, is banking on support from allies like JD(U), TDP, and LJP (Ram Vilas). With 16 TDP members, 12 JD(U) members, and 5 LJP members, their votes could be the deciding factor.

**🎬 The Final Take 🎬**

The Waqf Amendment Bill is more than just legislation—it’s a battleground for India’s cultural and political identity. With the BJP pushing for changes and the opposition fighting back, this story is a political thriller in the making. Will the bill pass? Will it face legal challenges? Stay tuned, because this drama is far from over! 🕵️‍♂️

📢 Your Turn 📢
What do you think about the Waqf Amendment Bill? Is it a step towards empowerment or an attack on minority rights? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇