In late 2024 and early 2025, the Waqf Amendment Bill ignited a firestorm across India, pitting the Union Cabinet against Muslim communities and opposition parties. The proposed changes to the decades-old Waqf Act have been accused of enabling land grabs and fostering discrimination, sending shockwaves through millions of Indian Muslims who see their rights and heritage under threat.



The Roots of the Row: What’s the Waqf Amendment Bill?

The Waqf Amendment Bill, introduced by the BJP-led Union Cabinet in August 2024, aimed to overhaul the Waqf Act of 1995, which governs properties donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes. The government framed it as a reform to boost transparency and curb corruption in Waqf boards—bodies managing an estimated 872,000 properties spanning over 940,000 acres, valued at billions. Yet, the amendments quickly drew ire for their perceived overreach.

Sparks of Protest: Muslim Communities Rise Up

By late 2024, protests erupted as Muslim groups, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), denounced the bill as a “conspiracy” to seize Waqf properties. Demonstrations flared in cities like Mumbai and Delhi, with slogans condemning what many called an attack on religious autonomy. Critics pointed to provisions like the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards and the shift of property dispute authority to government officials, fearing these changes could dismantle community control over sacred lands.

Opposition’s Outcry: Land Grabs and Discrimination?

Opposition parties, including Congress and the Samajwadi Party, joined the fray, labeling the bill “unconstitutional.” Leaders like Rahul Gandhi called it a “weapon” to marginalize Muslims, while others accused the BJP of using it to polarize voters ahead of elections. The charge of land grabs gained traction amid reports of historic mosques and graveyards potentially losing their Waqf status, amplifying fears of systemic discrimination against India’s largest religious minority.

The Government’s Defense: Reform or Overreach?

The Modi administration stood firm, arguing the amendments addressed long-standing issues like encroachments—over 58,000 Waqf properties are reportedly occupied illegally—and mismanagement. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized that the bill wasn’t about religion but about efficiency, pointing to the inclusion of women and diverse Muslim sects in Waqf governance as progressive steps. Still, assurances did little to quell the unrest.

Impact on Indian Muslims: A Community on Edge

For India’s 200 million Muslims, the stakes are high. Waqf properties—mosques, schools, orphanages—form a lifeline for welfare and identity. By early 2025, the bill had cleared the Lok Sabha and faced a tense Rajya Sabha debate, leaving millions anxious about losing ancestral lands. Legal challenges loomed as opposition parties vowed Supreme Court action, signaling a prolonged battle.

What Lies Ahead: A Nation Divided

As of April 5, 2025, the Waqf Amendment Bill row remains unresolved, with its fate hinging on legislative and judicial outcomes. The controversy has exposed deep fault lines—between reform and tradition, state power and minority rights—raising a critical question: Can India balance modernization with its pluralistic fabric? For now, the voices of protest echo louder than ever.