Lok Sabha approves Waqf (Amendment) Bill after hours of debate.

Lok Sabha Passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill After Marathon Debate

The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the early hours of Thursday, April 3, following a marathon 12-hour debate. The bill was approved with 288 members voting in favor and 232 opposing it. The lengthy discussion saw intense exchanges between the ruling and opposition parties, with key concerns raised over the bill's implications. Supporters argued it would bring necessary reforms, while critics voiced concerns about its impact. Despite opposition, the bill cleared the lower house, marking a significant legislative step. It will now move to the Rajya Sabha for further deliberation and approval.

The lengthy debate saw the ruling NDA defending the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as a step towards benefiting minorities, while the opposition criticized it as "anti-Muslim." The bill was passed after all amendments proposed by opposition members were rejected through voice votes.

Responding to the debate, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that India remains the safest place in the world for minorities. He emphasized that their security is ensured by the secular nature of the majority population, reinforcing the government's stance that the bill aims to bring reforms without discrimination.