Key Points
Waqf Amendment Bill passes with significant parliamentary support
Swami Avdheshanand praises landmark legislation
PM Modi calls bill a watershed moment for marginalized
Congress opposes bill's passage
He added that land encroachments will no longer be allowed, emphasising that India belongs to figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji, Guru Gobind Singh, and Tirthankars, not invaders.
Speaking to ANI, Swami Avdheshanand of Juna Akhara said, "It was needed for a long time, and the people from the Muslim community were demanding it. For those who had no means, their lands were encroached upon, and they had nowhere to appeal but only in the Waqf board. The entire country is welcoming it. Muslim clerics, who are my friends, are also welcoming it..."
"There might be a few people who are opposing it - maybe they are trying to strengthen their political ground so that their existence can be secured. I think many reforms are needed, and I welcome this... This land doesn't belong to the invaders but of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Guru Govind Singh, Tirthankars...and the land encroachment will not be permitted in this country anymore," he added.
In a recent development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill of 2025 was a "watershed moment" and that this would help the marginalised, who have been "denied both voice and opportunity."
Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha leader of opposition (LoP) and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge attacked the union government after the parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, saying that the government had taken a "negative stand."
It is their interpretation. We kept our views on the bill in front of them (the government). They have taken a negative stand, and they are taking it forward," Kharge told reporters.
Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan said that it is "unfortunate" that the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 has been passed.
The Parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in the early hours of Friday after a marathon and heated debate. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said, "Ayes 128 and Noes 95, Absent zero. The Bill is passed." The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, has also been passed in Parliament. Lok Sabha had previously passed the Bill.
Comments:
Rahul K.
2 hours ago
Finally some justice for those whose lands were illegally occupied! This bill was long overdue 👏 Hope it gets implemented properly across all states.
Ayesha P.
1 hour ago
As a Muslim, I appreciate Swami Avdheshanand's balanced view. It's refreshing to see religious leaders supporting reforms that help the marginalized in our community. The political opposition seems unnecessary.
Sanjay M.
45 minutes ago
While I support the intent, I worry about implementation. The language about "invaders" seems unnecessarily divisive. Can't we focus on justice without historical grievances?
Neha T.
30 minutes ago
128-95 vote shows strong mandate! Good to see Parliament working late for important legislation. Hope this brings relief to many families who've suffered land disputes for generations.
Vikram J.
15 minutes ago
The Congress reaction is disappointing but predictable. Instead of constructive criticism, they just oppose everything. When will they start putting nation before politics?
