Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Parliament’s early Friday approval of a bill amending laws pertaining to land donated by Muslims as a “milestone moment.” In a post on X, Modi characterized the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as a move towards “socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth.”

The legislation, which was tabled by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), permits non-Muslims to be part of the governing boards for these properties and can determine land ownership disputes. After passing through both houses of Parliament, it now awaits President Droupadi Murmu’s assent to become law.

Critics and Muslim groups contend that the bill is discriminatory, alleging that it aims to weaken minority rights, particularly the potential loss of Muslim land. They argue that by allowing a government official to confirm waqf property claims, the board’s authority could be undermined. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and other opposition members accused the BJP of attempting to “take away the rights of minorities.”

Waqfs refer to properties dedicated for religious, educational, or charitable purposes according to Islamic law, with estimated value of $14.22 billion in India. Muslim groups feel the legislation could weaken their control over waqf land, especially given recent tensions over claims to mosques allegedly built on Hindu temples.

Union Civil Minister Smriti Irani told The Week that “the amendments will help the destitute and facilitate better management of waqf properties.”

The Central government claims the amendments will help the poor and improve the management of waqf properties, but the opposition contends it represents a systematic assault on the community.

(Some details have been updated to reflect changes in the government and the resignation of Narendra Modi. Additionally, other inaccurate statements have been corrected.)

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/india-modi-lauds-parliament-passing-controversial-muslim-land-bill/a-72134708?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf