New Delhi, April 4, 2025 – Union Minister and Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, Jagat Prakash Nadda, strongly criticized the Congress party on Thursday, alleging that it treated Muslim women as second-class citizens during its tenure at the Centre. His remarks came during a heated debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha.
Nadda emphasized that while several Muslim-majority countries like Egypt, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Syria banned triple talaq years ago, the Congress-led UPA government failed to take any action during its decade-long rule.
“You made Indian Muslim ladies second-grade citizens,” Nadda stated, targeting the Congress party.
Supporting the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, he asserted that the legislation aims to introduce critical reforms in the management of Waqf properties and accused the opposition of attempting to derail the discussion.
Key Highlights of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill Debate
- The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha before being introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
- Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who moved the bill in the upper house, highlighted that the government has strengthened its provisions, particularly regarding tribunal mechanisms.
- A Right to Appeal has been incorporated, allowing individuals to challenge tribunal decisions in court if they are unsatisfied with the ruling.
Opposition’s Stand: Congress Calls the Bill Unconstitutional
Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain opposed the bill, calling it unconstitutional and alleging that it targets the Muslim community.
“They have brought this Act just for communal polarisation. Everybody knows who benefits when communal polarisation takes place,” Hussain stated.
The government introduced the revised bill after considering recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which reviewed the legislation first introduced in August last year. The primary objective of the bill is to amend the 1995 Waqf Act to enhance the administration and management of Waqf properties in India.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has sparked intense political debate, with the ruling party advocating reforms and the opposition alleging political motives. As the bill moves forward, its impact on Waqf property management and the Muslim community remains a key topic of discussion in the country.
