In a significant development in India's legislative history, the Rajya Sabha passed two key bills — the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024. Hours after the bills were approved by Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the move a "watershed moment" in India's pursuit of socioeconomic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth.

Taking to social media platform X , PM Modi expressed his deep gratitude to all Members of Parliament who contributed to the formulation and discussion of the bills, as well as to the citizens who submitted valuable suggestions to the Joint Parliamentary Committee appointed to evaluate the legislation.

A Push for Inclusive Growth and Representation

In his detailed post, PM Modi stated that these legislations are not just about legal reforms but about correcting a long-standing imbalance that has left marginalized communities voiceless and underrepresented. He said, “The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity.”

The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025

He emphasized that these reforms would create a more modern legal framework that is sensitive to the needs of the people, especially those from weaker and backward sections of society, including Muslim women and Pasmanda Muslims — groups who have historically been overlooked or sidelined.

Need for Reform in the Waqf System

The primary motivation behind introducing the Waqf Amendment Bill, as noted by the Centre, is the lack of transparency and accountability that has plagued the Waqf system for decades. PM Modi underlined this in his message, highlighting how the opaque functioning of the Waqf boards had severely impacted the rights and well-being of Muslim women and economically disadvantaged Muslims.

“For decades, the Waqf system was synonymous with lack of transparency and accountability. This especially harmed the interests of Muslim women, poor Muslims, and Pasmanda Muslims. The legislations passed by Parliament will boost transparency and also safeguard people’s rights,” Modi asserted.

Long Hours of Parliamentary Debate

The passage of the bills followed lengthy and heated debates in both Houses of Parliament. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha with a 288-232 vote after a 12-hour debate, while the Rajya Sabha cleared it with a 128-95 margin during a session that extended past midnight. Simultaneously, the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill was passed in the Upper House following an extensive 17-hour sitting.

These intense discussions reflected the importance and sensitivity surrounding the bills, with MPs from various parties voicing diverse perspectives on the implications of the reforms.

Centre vs Opposition: Political Divide Over the Bill

As anticipated, the bill sparked sharp political exchanges between the ruling BJP-led government and the Opposition. While Union Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced and defended the bill in both Houses, assuring that it respects the rights of all communities, the Opposition claimed the legislation was “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional.”

Rijiju strongly rebuked these allegations, accusing the Opposition of misleading the public. He insisted that the reform is being welcomed by a large section of the Muslim community and will ultimately benefit crores of people by protecting their interests and ensuring justice.

Towards a More Compassionate and Fairer India

Concluding his message, PM Modi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to justice and dignity for all citizens. He stated that these legislative measures would usher in a new era of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. “This is also how we build a stronger, more inclusive and more compassionate India,” he said.

The passage of these bills is expected to set a new precedent in governance, where transparency and social equity form the foundation of institutional reforms.