New Delhi: Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday launched a strong attack on the BJP-led government over the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, accusing the legislation of undermining national integrity and interfering in religious matters.
During a debate in the Lok Sabha, Gogoi questioned the origins of the bill, asking whether it was initiated by the Minority Affairs Ministry or another department. He also expressed concern over the bill’s implications for religious identity, saying, “The government is now asking for certificates of religion. Will other religious communities be required to prove their faith as well”? Why is religion being scrutinized in this manner?”
Gogoi emphasised that the Congress party’s nationalism aligns with the Constitution, which guarantees political, social, and economic justice for all citizens, including freedom of expression and religion. “This bill is an attack on the very foundation of our Constitution,” he said, accusing the government of attempting to dilute the Constitution, defame the minority community, and divide Indian society.
The Congress leader dismissed Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju’s claims about the Congress party’s record on the issue, urging Rijiju to substantiate his allegations. Gogoi stated, “What the minister said about the UPA government was entirely misleading. We demand proof of these claims.”
In his speech, Rijiju pointed to discrepancies in the previous legislation and justified the amendments. He explained that while any Indian could create a Waqf under the 1995 provision, changes made in 2013 had altered this, and the 2025 bill now reinstates the 1995 provision, requiring an individual to have practiced Islam for a minimum of five years to create a Waqf.
Rijiju also highlighted a controversial action taken by the UPA government in 2014, transferring 123 prime properties under the Housing and Urban Development Ministry to the Delhi Waqf Board shortly before the elections. What was the urgency? The elections were just around the corner, and yet, such transfers were made. “This didn’t win them votes,” Rijiju remarked.
Gogoi countered by accusing the BJP of targeting minority communities that had participated in India’s freedom struggle. He also criticised the government’s stance on issues such as Namaz being offered on roads, stating that the government was insincere in its supposed support for minorities. “How many MPs from minority communities are there in your government?” Gogoi asked, challenging the BJP’s claims of minority support.
Gogoi also disputed Rijiju’s claim that there had been consultations on the bill, pointing out that the minority affairs committee had met several times in 2023 without discussing the Waqf Amendment Bill. “Today, they are eyeing the land of one community. “Tomorrow, it could be other minorities,” he warned.
The Congress MP also rejected the government’s portrayal of the 1995 Waqf Act, arguing that the provisions for women’s rights, including protections for widows, were already in place, and questioned why the revenue for the Waqf board had been reduced. “Why cut the revenue?” Don’t you want the Waqf board to function effectively?” Gogoi asked,”
In response, Rijiju defended the bill, stating that all parties in the opposition bloc, INDIA, were opposing it, and urged them to reconsider their stance. He assured that the bill would not be applied retroactively and rejected claims that it sought to “snatch” property. Rijiju also highlighted the extensive consultations that had taken place on the bill, including meetings with 284 delegations and submissions from Waqf boards of 25 states and union territories.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, along with the Mussalman Waqf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, was moved by Rijiju for consideration and passing in the Lok Sabha. He emphasised the importance of the joint committee’s discussions and urged members to support the bills.
