The Hindu nationalist government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has passed a controversial bill amending the Waqf Act, which deals with more than $14 billion worth of Muslim-donated properties. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha late at night on Wednesday (April 2) with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. On Thursday, the bill was presented in the Rajya Sabha, according to Qatar-based news outlet Al Jazeera.
The new Waqf Bill introduces non-Muslim members to the Waqf Board and increases government oversight, especially in verifying the ownership of Waqf properties. Waqf refers to movable or immovable assets permanently donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes.
Opposition parties strongly oppose the bill, calling it unconstitutional and an infringement on Muslim religious practices. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced that his party, DMK, will challenge the bill in the Supreme Court if it becomes law. Other opposition parties and organizations are also preparing to take legal action against it.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) argues that the amendments to the 1995 Waqf Act will help curb corruption and mismanagement while promoting diversity. However, India’s Muslim community fears that the law could lead to the confiscation, occupation, or destruction of Waqf properties, including historical mosques, shops, shrines, cemeteries, and thousands of acres of land.
The Lok Sabha witnessed heated debates over the bill. The opposition Congress party called it unconstitutional and discriminatory against Muslims. If the Rajya Sabha passes the bill on Thursday, it will be sent to President Droupadi Murmu for approval, after which it will officially become law.
On Thursday morning, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi warned during a parliamentary meeting that the BJP is pushing the country toward a dangerous divide by repeatedly undermining the constitution. She accused the government of bulldozing decisions in the name of discussion, just as they did with the Waqf Bill in the Lok Sabha. She added that this move is an open attack on the constitution and an attempt to permanently divide the nation and society.
Despite the opposition’s efforts, the bill is likely to pass in the Rajya Sabha, where the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has 125 supporting members, including nominated members. The opposition has 88 members. Initially, the opposition hoped that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of Andhra Pradesh and the Janata Dal (United) (JDU) and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) of Bihar, fearing a loss of Muslim support, would either abstain from voting or walk out. However, all three parties voted in favor of the bill.