Lok Sabha Passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill; PM Modi Absent During Vote

Bill clears with 288 votes in favour, 232 against; Kiren Rijiju defends its constitutionality

The Lok Sabha has approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with 288 members voting in favour and 232 opposing it, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was absent during the voting process.

Addressing concerns from opposition parties who labelled the bill "unconstitutional," Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the legislation, emphasizing that Waqf property laws have existed for decades without judicial invalidation. He urged critics to avoid making such claims lightly.

Responding to an extensive 12-hour debate in the House, Rijiju asserted that once the bill is enacted, underprivileged Muslims will appreciate Prime Minister Modi’s efforts. The session extended past midnight to ensure the bill’s passage.