‘Historic correction that was long overdue…’: Karnataka BJP chief on Waqf Amendment Bill 2025

BENGALURU: Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra on Thursday praised the Central government over the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 and said that it is a historic correction that was long overdue.

“Historic Moment for Bharat. The passage of the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Bill, 2024 is a historic correction that was long overdue and deeply necessary”, Vijayendra posted on X. He further said that for decades, the Waqf Board functioned like an authoritarian state within a state.

Historic Moment for Bharat

The passage of the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Bill, 2024 is a historic correction that was long overdue and deeply necessary.

For decades, the Waqf Board functioned like an authoritarian state within a… pic.twitter.com/G4Zv40Y6by

— Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) April 2, 2025

“It declared lands as Waqf without notice, operated without transparency, and silenced rightful landowners. This was the legacy of Congress’s appeasement politics, creating an institution with sweeping powers, no oversight, and zero accountability. The new amendment finally dismantles this structure. It – abolishes Section 40 which allowed any land to be declared as Waqf property overnight. Ensures government oversight in property disputes. Introduces transparency and constitutional checks on the Board’s authority”, it added.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka | On the #WaqfAmendmentBill passed in the Lok Sabha, Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra says, “It’s a great moment for the entire country. The issue of Waqf was long pending. For decades, thousands of people were suppressed by the Waqf Board,… pic.twitter.com/9HyABE62iy

— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2025

The BJP Karnataka chief said that the Bill is Dr B R Ambedkar’s vision of checks and balances where no institution is above scrutiny and no community above the law.

“This is not just reform. It is the realisation of Dr B R Ambedkar’s vision of checks and balances where no institution is above scrutiny and no community above the law. Kudos to the Central Government under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi for restoring constitutional balance and protecting the rights of every Indian – without fear, favour, or appeasement,” he said.

Earlier today, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 after a marathon and heated debate during which members of the INDIA bloc fiercely opposed the legislation while the BJP and its allies in strongly supported it, saying it will bring transparency and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards.

The bill was passed after amendments made by the opposition members were negatived. The House sat beyond midnight to pass the legislation.

Speaker Om Birla later announced the result of the division. “Subject to correction, Ayes 288, Noes 232. The majority is in favour of the proposal,” he said. The revised bill was brought by the government after incorporating recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee which examined the legislation which was introduced in August last year.

The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995. The Bill seeks to improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India. It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records. (ANI)