On Wednesday, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), a key ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), voiced strong support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Far from targeting any religion or community, the party insists this bill is about managing properties to improve the lives of Muslims across India.

Lok Janshakti Party’s Arun Bharti Pushes for Waqf Bill Transparency and Thorough Scrutiny

In a heated Lok Sabha debate, LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Arun Bharti championed the bill as a tool for transparency and accountability. He criticized the opposition for zooming in on the religious side of Waqf—charitable endowments created by Muslims—while ignoring its social, legal, financial, and administrative potential.

Unlike Bihar’s Janata Dal (United), which has been more reserved, the LJP has taken a thoughtful yet firm stance. Bharti pointed out that party leader and Union Minister Chirag Paswan had demanded a deep dive into the bill when it was introduced last August, urging it be sent to a parliamentary committee for review.

Opposition Accused of Fearmongering

Bharti didn’t shy away from slamming opposition parties, accusing them of scaring Muslims with claims that the government wants to snatch their religious properties. He called it a vote-bank tactic, arguing that these parties dodge the real issues—like Muslim backwardness and the poor management of Waqf properties nationwide.

To put things in perspective, he shared a jaw-dropping stat: tiny Singapore earns Rs 42 crore from its Waqf properties, while India lags at just Rs 163 crore. Bharti also nodded to countries like Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, where Waqf reforms have turned these assets into engines of progress.

A Vision for Inclusion

At its core, Bharti said, the bill is about lifting up poor and marginalized Muslims and bringing them into the national fold. He expressed dismay that Muslim clerics have attacked Chirag Paswan for supporting it, despite his family’s track record. Bharti recalled how Paswan’s father, Ram Vilas Paswan, risked his party’s survival in 2005 to back a Muslim chief minister in Bihar.

Why This Matters

The LJP (Ram Vilas) sees the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as a chance to spark fairness and growth—not division. With a people-first mindset, they’re pushing for an open, honest dialogue about how Waqf properties can better serve communities nationwide.

New Delhi, April 2, 2025 – In a significant move to regulate immigration and the stay of foreigners in India, Parliament has approved the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, with the Rajya Sabha giving its final nod on Wednesday. The bill, which aims to create a more structured legal framework for immigration, was previously passed by the Lok Sabha on March 27.

During the debate in the Upper House, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai strongly criticized previous administrations, particularly the Congress-led government and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, for allegedly enabling illegal immigration by adding unauthorized individuals to voter lists and ration card schemes. His remarks sparked a heated reaction from opposition parties, leading to a walkout by Congress, TMC, and other members.

Rai defended the necessity of the bill, highlighting that 26 lawmakers participated in discussions, underlining the urgency of reforming India’s immigration laws. He emphasized that a unified legal structure was essential to elevate India’s education system, universities, and economy to global standards.

Addressing concerns over referring the bill to a standing committee, Rai clarified that the legislation was drafted after three years of extensive research and study. He also reassured members that India’s existing Immigration Bureau will continue to oversee all immigration-related matters, aligning with international standards.

The minister also stressed that India remains open to welcoming international students, researchers, and professionals contributing to innovation and development.

With this bill now passed, India is set to implement a more efficient and transparent immigration system, ensuring better regulation of foreign entry and stay while fostering global collaboration.

On April 2, 2025, the Lok Sabha became the stage for a heated debate as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 was introduced, aiming to reform the management of Waqf properties in India. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju presented the bill, calling it a “historic” step toward better governance of these religious endowments. However, the opposition’s protests and accusations of a rushed process have set the tone for a contentious discussion. Here’s what you need to know about this significant legislation.

A New Chapter for Waqf Properties

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by Minister Kiren Rijiju, seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, which governs properties dedicated for Islamic religious or charitable purposes. Introduced on April 2, the bill aims to streamline the Waqf Board’s operations, addressing long-standing issues like mismanagement and encroachments. Rijiju emphasized that the reforms would benefit the entire country, with a special focus on uplifting Muslims, women, and children through more efficient administration of Waqf assets.

The bill follows in the footsteps of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 and the Mussalman Waqf (Repeal) Bill, reflecting the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize Waqf governance. An eight-hour debate was scheduled in the Lok Sabha, with the possibility of extension, to thoroughly discuss the bill’s provisions.

Opposition Slams the Government

The introduction of the bill was met with strong resistance from the opposition, who accused the government of “bulldozing” the legislation. They argued that the Centre hadn’t provided enough time for amendments, claiming the process undermined parliamentary norms. The session saw sloganeering and disruptions, highlighting the deep divide over the bill’s implications.

This isn’t the first time the Waqf amendments have sparked controversy. Since the 2024 bill, opposition parties and Muslim organizations have raised concerns about potential threats to religious autonomy and the federal structure, issues that continue to fuel the current debate.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Bill Matters

Waqf properties—mosques, graveyards, and charitable institutions—play a vital role in India’s Islamic community. However, their management has often been marred by inefficiencies and disputes. The 2025 bill aims to address these challenges by introducing stricter regulations and enhancing transparency within the Waqf Board. The government hopes to pass the bill with wide support, but the opposition’s stance suggests a tough road ahead.

For many, this legislation is a chance to bring much-needed reform to a struggling system. Yet, the concerns about its impact on religious rights and community autonomy cannot be ignored. As the Lok Sabha debate continues, the nation watches closely to see how this bill will shape the future of Waqf properties in India.