Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha today LIVE: 'No reason for opposition, property worth crores being misused' says Kiren Rijiju

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha today LIVE: Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha today, April 3, during the Budget session of the Parliament, a day after receiving Lok Sabha's approval. This contentious bill seeking to amend the existing Waqf laws continues to be in the spotlight as heated discussions may follow during the day given its presentation in the Upper House.

The tabling of the Waqf Bill on Thursday in the Upper House comes after 12-hour-long intense debate that took place on April 2. Over the Waqf Bill issue, the ruling BJP and the Opposition locked horns accusing each other of vote bank politics. While the ruling NDA defended the legislation as beneficial for minorities, the opposition labelled it as "anti-Muslim". The Bill was passed after all amendments moved by the opposition members were rejected by voice votes.

In the voting process that lasted 1:49 hours, 288 members voted for it and 232 voting against it. Upper House of the Parliament is preparing for another long debate today for which eight hours have been allocated, PTI reported.

What is Waqf bill?

The Amendment Bill seeks to bring reforms in the administration and management of waqf properties across the country and overcome the shortcomings of the previous Act. Proposing improvement in management of waqf records through improved registration and improvised technology, it suggests introduction of several changes such as renaming the Act and updating the definitions of waqf.

What is new Waqf Bill 2025?

The new Waqf Bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, that governs the administration of waqf properties in India. Repealing the 2024 version, it proposes expansion of government’s role in regulating waqf properties and adjudicating disputes related to them.

Catch all LIVE updates about Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha here

03 Apr 2025, 02:03:39 PM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: We should take progressive approach instead of digging into history, says Naseer Hussain

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: After Union Minister Kiren Rijiju concluded the opening address, Congress MP Naseer Hussain took charge of the Upper House. He was granted 20 minutes to address the Rajya Sabha. 

03 Apr 2025, 01:55:58 PM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Kiren Rijiju asserts, ‘included the Right to Appeal’

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Minority Affairs Minister on April 2 said, "We have included the Right to Appeal in this bill. If you don't get your right in the Tribunal, then you can file a petition in court under this Right to Appeal." He made these remarks while addressing the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in Rajya Sabha.

03 Apr 2025, 01:52:57 PM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: 123 prime properties were handed to Delhi Waqf Board by UPA govt, claims Kiren Rijiju

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "Just before implementation of model code of conduct ahead of 2014 general elections, on March 5, 2014, UPA govt denotified 123 prime properties and handed them over to Delhi Waqf Board. These properties were of the Housing and Urban Affairs ministry," while addressing the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in Rajya Sabha on April 3.

03 Apr 2025, 01:50:06 PM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Kiren Rijiju assures protection on women's rights

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju assured that the amended Waqf Bill will ensure that rights of women are protected in the Rajya Sabha.

03 Apr 2025, 01:40:10 PM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: ‘Waqf Bill aims to accomplish…,’ Kiren Rijiju makes a swipe at previous govts

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasised that Waqf Bill aims to accomplish unfulfilled tasks of previous governments.

03 Apr 2025, 01:31:09 PM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: ‘Waqf board will only oversee,’ claims Kiren Rijiju 

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: “Waqf board will only oversee, not manage, Waqf properties," said Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday in the Rajya Sabha.

03 Apr 2025, 01:27:46 PM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: ‘Sachar committee had estimated earnings from 4.9 lakh Waqf properties,’ says Kiren Rijiju

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: In the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said," As of today, there are 8.72 lakh Waqf properties…In 2006, if the Sachar committee had estimated the earnings from 4.9 lakh Waqf properties at ₹12,000 crore, then you can imagine the income these properties must be generating now."

Asserting that the Bill will not interfere with people’s religious freedom he sought support for the Bill from the Congress and opposition parties.

03 Apr 2025, 01:01:50 PM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: ‘Concern about Muslims would put Muhammad Ali Jinnah to shame,’ says Uddhav Thackeray

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray reacted on the passage of Waqf Bill in the Lok Sabha and alleged that concern shown by BJP and its allies about Muslims would put Muhammad Ali Jinnah to shame.

03 Apr 2025, 12:47:45 PM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Karnataka BJP President claims its ‘a historic moment’

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra elated with the passage of Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha said, “It's a great moment for the entire country. The issue of Waqf was long pending. For decades, thousands of people were suppressed by the Waqf Board, especially by Section 40," ANI reported. 

He added, "Yesterday, due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the bill was passed in the Lok Sabha. It's a historic moment... Karnataka is a classic example where hundreds of properties belonging to temples or religious institutions have been taken over by Waqf, and no one has the authority to question this in the Court... Don't worry about Congress. They themselves are to blame for the Waqf issue."

03 Apr 2025, 12:23:28 PM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: ‘Against the Constitution, brought to create fights,’ says Sanjay Singh 

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh on Thursday criticised the Waqf Amendment Bill and claimed that it has been introduced to create fights, disputes, and controversies in the country. Suggesting that it is against the Constitution of India, he said, “We opposed this bill in the JPC as well; we registered our protest in the Lok Sabha yesterday, and today, when this bill comes to the Rajya Sabha, we will oppose it there too... This bill is against the Constitution of India... When Baba Saheb Ambedkar and the Constitution of India itself are not being respected...this bill has been brought with the intention of creating fights, disputes, and controversies in the country." ANI reported.

03 Apr 2025, 12:00:03 PM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Bill listed in Rajya Sabha Supplementary List

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Waqf Bill has been listed in Rajya Sabha Supplementary List and is scheduled to be tabled at 1:00 PM today.

03 Apr 2025, 11:51:09 AM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Tamil Nadu CM spotted wearing black badge to protest Waqf Bill's passage in the Lok Sabha

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader M K Stalin donned a black badge in the Assembly on Thursday to protest Waqf Bill's passage in the Lok Sabha. He said that his party would challenge the Bill in the Supreme Court as it undermined constitutional principles.

03 Apr 2025, 11:45:02 AM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: ‘Have admitted the notices received,’ says Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said, "A copy each of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 and the Muslim Waqf Repeal Bill 2025 as passed by Lok Sabha has been laid on the table of Rajya Sabha. I have admitted the notices received from the Minister of Minority Affairs for consideration and passing of the bills in Rajya Sabha today by waiving off the requirement of two days notice period under Rule 133 of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States, Rajya Sabha."

03 Apr 2025, 11:42:24 AM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Jagdeep Dhankhar gives opening speech to “run the house effectively”

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday said, “I was trying to be accommodative for every member of the Parliament."

03 Apr 2025, 11:35:18 AM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Tamil Nadu seeks retrieval of Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “We have already passed a resolution seeking retrieval of Katchatheevu (from Sri Lanka)," ANI reported. He further noted that finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu will meet PM Modi regarding releasing of funds to Tamil Nadu.

03 Apr 2025, 11:30:16 AM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Parliament session begins

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: A fiery debate may ensue soon as Parliament session has begun. Waqf Bill will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha today.

03 Apr 2025, 11:17:24 AM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: ‘Constitution will remain on paper,’  Sonia Gandhi criticises Modi govt

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: At the Congress Parliamentary Party General Body meeting, Congress MP Sonia Gandhi said, "Modi govt dragging country into an abyss where Constitution will remain on paper; their intention to demolish it."

She criticised the One Nation, One Election Bill and emphasised the Congress party's firm opposition to this proposed legislation, alleging it to be another attempt to weaken the constitutional framework.

03 Apr 2025, 11:11:09 AM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: 'Weapon aimed at marginalising Muslims,' says Rahul Gandhi

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition on Wednesday reacted on Waqf Bill issue. In a post on X, he stated, “The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a weapon aimed at marginalising Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights."

Opposing this legislation, he added, “This attack on the Constitution by the RSS, BJP and their allies is aimed at Muslims today but sets a precedent to target other communities in the future. The Congress party strongly opposes this legislation as it attacks the very idea of India and violates Article 25, the Right to Freedom of Religion."

03 Apr 2025, 11:08:40 AM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: ‘Waqf Bill is a brazen assault,’ asserts Sonia Gandhi

During the Congress Parliamentary Party General Body meeting on Thursday, Senior Congress leader and MP Sonia Gandhi said," Yesterday, the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024 was passed in the Lok Sabha, and today it is scheduled to come up in the Rajya Sabha. The bill was in effect bulldozed through. Our party’s position is clear. The Bill is a brazen assault on the Constitution itself. It is very much part of the BJP’s deliberate strategy to keep our society in a state of permanent polarization," PTI reported.

03 Apr 2025, 11:08:41 AM IST

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: BJP President JP Nadda to speak on Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha today

Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha LIVE: BJP President JP Nadda will speak on the Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha today