‘Blatantly unconstitutional’: Kharge says Waqf Amendment Bill undermines religious freedom

New Delhi: Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Wednesday criticised the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it ‘unconstitutional’ and alleging that it weakens the fundamental right to freedom of religion.

"The Modi Government's Waqf Amendment Bill is blatantly unconstitutional, undermining the Right to Freedom of Religion and attempting to bring personal laws under state control," Kharge stated in a post on X.

Accusing the ruling BJP of targeting minorities, Kharge added, "The BJP, which has long treated minorities as second-class citizens, is now targeting their properties through this Bill. The Congress party will oppose this divisive RSS/BJP agenda which is against the law of the land."

Sources indicate that the Rajya Sabha is expected to take up the discussion on the Waqf Amendment Bill around 1 pm, with eight hours allocated for debate. Congress is set to receive approximately 45 minutes, with Nasir Hussain, a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), being the first speaker from the party. In addition, party MPs Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Imran Pratapgarhi are also expected to participate in the discussion.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader KC Venugopal termed the Bill "a dangerous, divisive law" that contradicts constitutional principles.

Participating in the debate on the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, Venugopal accused the BJP of using legislation for divisive purposes.

"I expected so many legislations to come during this period. For the last several years, farmers have been on the street, demanding legal guarantees for MSP. But the Bill is not coming. Youngsters of this country are unemployed and in despair. So, the country expected legislation for drastic change for the youth of the country. But it didn't come... You can see the legislation that has been given priority by this government. This is to have only one agenda - to divide Bharat Mata in the name of religion," he said.

In a post on X, Venugopal reiterated Congress' opposition to the Bill, saying the party would continue to fight for constitutional values.

"The Government is bringing this today as if all other pressing issues of our country have been solved. Is there no unemployment anymore? Are farmers happy? Are women safe? Why is this the BJP's focus? This Bill is yet another example of the BJP's visceral hatred towards minorities - they want to control their lives and suppress their rights, bringing non-Muslims to control Waqf properties. This is just the beginning, they will come after every minority religion going forward. We vehemently reject this Bill and will always fight to protect the Constitution and every citizen's fundamental rights," Venugopal wrote.

Along with the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also introduced the Mussalman Wakf Repeal Bill, 2024, for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha. This bill was initially presented in August last year and later examined by a Joint Parliamentary Committee JPC led by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal.

The proposed amendment seeks to modify the Waqf Act of 1995, with the stated aim of improving the governance and administration of waqf properties across the country. It intends to address previous shortcomings, enhance the efficiency of Waqf Boards, streamline the registration process and integrate technological advancements into waqf property management.
ANI