Amit Shah Defends Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha, Rejects Claims of Religious Interference

New Delhi, April 2, 2025: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday strongly refuted opposition allegations that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to interfere with the religious practices of Muslims. Speaking during a heated debate in the Lok Sabha, Shah emphasized that the bill is designed solely to improve the management of Waqf properties and dismissed claims of retrospective implementation.

Addressing concerns raised by opposition members, Shah accused them of spreading misconceptions to instill fear among the Muslim community for political gain. "I have been carefully listening to the discussion since noon, and I feel there are several misconceptions among members, either genuine or politically motivated. Through this House, attempts are being made to spread those misconceptions across the country," he said, expressing his support for the bill introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

Shah clarified that the bill contains no provisions for appointing non-Muslims to roles related to religious activities. "The Waqf Act and Board came into effect in 1995. All arguments about the inclusion of non-Muslims are about interference in the Waqf. Let me make it clear: no non-Muslim will be included in managing religious institutions. We have no intention of doing this," he stated. He explained that non-Muslim members, if included, would only serve in administrative roles within the Waqf Council and Board to ensure that donated properties are managed lawfully and in line with their intended purpose. "This is a huge misconception that the Act will interfere with the religious conduct of Muslims or their donated properties. This fear is being spread to secure minority votes," Shah added.

The Home Minister also emphasized that only properties legally owned by an individual can be donated as Waqf, and government or third-party properties cannot be included. He noted that the amendments target only the administrative provisions of the 1995 Waqf Act, specifically those related to the Council and Board.

Introducing the bill, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju echoed Shah’s sentiments, stating that the legislation would not apply retrospectively and that the Centre was not seeking additional powers. Rijiju highlighted the underutilization of Waqf properties, questioning why they have not been leveraged for the education, healthcare, skill development, or income generation of underprivileged Muslims. "Our country has the largest Waqf properties in the world, yet why has there been no progress in using them for the welfare of poor Muslims?" he asked.

In addition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Rijiju also moved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha. The Waqf Amendment Bill, first introduced in August 2024, was scrutinized by a Joint Parliamentary Committee chaired by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal. The bill aims to address shortcomings in the 1995 Waqf Act by enhancing the efficiency of Waqf boards, streamlining the registration process, and incorporating technology to better manage Waqf records.

The debate underscored the government’s intent to reform the administration of Waqf properties while addressing concerns about potential overreach. As discussions continue, the bill remains a focal point of contention in Parliament, with the opposition urging greater transparency and safeguards to protect the interests of the Muslim community.