Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale expressed strong support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Rajya Sabha on Friday. Highlighting the fact that the bill is aimed at bringing justice to the largest Muslim population while fostering communal harmony throughout the country, Ramdas Athawale termed it a “revolutionary” measure.
“This bill is intended to provide justice to all Muslims — nearly 90% of them. It is not against the Constitution. It is a revolutionary bill and aims to integrate Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and all communities,” Ramdas Athawale announced in the Upper House after the passage of the bill.
Poetic Defense of PM Modi’s Policies by Ramdas Athawale
Athawale continued, “Modiji Musalmanon ki baat karte hain, Congress wale to Musalmanon ki baat karte hain. Modiji gareebon ki baat karte hain, aur ve hamesha Musalmanon, alpasankhyakon ki baat karte hain.”
His poetic speech eased the long and serious legislative session. Famous for blending poetry with politics, Athawale’s witty one-liners transcended party lines and brought smiles during the otherwise somber debate.
Congress Draws Scathing Criticism for Opposing the Bill
The minister was not far behind in criticizing the Congress party for raising objections to the bill. Charging that it had been pursuing a “divide and rule” policy, Ramdas Athawale stated, “Muslims have suffered injustice for a long time. The Congress Party is adopting a policy of divide and rule and is not providing justice to Muslims and Dalits.”
Bringing humor and poetry to the solemn parliamentary discourse, Athawale quoted wry couplets that rang out with laughter and applause from other members. Targeting the opposition while seconding the bill, he resorted to his signature rhyming satire.
“Waqf bill ka hum karte hain smaran, lekin vipaksh ko hum kar denge haran. Modiji hain Musalmanon ke sacche wali, Kharge sahab bajao zor-dar taali. Mat do roz Modiji ko gaali, nahi to kursi karo khaali. Vidrohi dalon ki raat ho rahi kaali, Nadda sahab bajao aap bhi taali” he recited, mixing wordplay and political jabs.
Athawale continued with another couplet, “Itni ho gayi hai raat, main kar raha hoon Waqf bill par baat, main de raha hoon Modiji ko saath, isliye main Congress ko dikha raha hoon haath.”
PM Modi Calls Passage of Waqf Bill a Milestone for the Marginalized
Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as a “milestone moment” for delivering justice and opportunity to the marginalized.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said, “The passage by both Houses of Parliament of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Muslim Waqf (Repeal) Bill is a landmark in our collective journey towards socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth. It will particularly benefit those who have been long on the margins and therefore denied voice and opportunity.”
Modi laid stress on the fact that the revised law would protect individuals’ rights and address the absence of transparency and accountability in the Waqf system that had inflicted damage on Pasmanda Muslims’ and Muslim women’s interests.
Bill Aims to Modernize and Improve Waqf Administration
Earlier, the Lok Sabha cleared the Waqf (Amendment) Bill following a marathon debate that lasted beyond midnight. The government accepted suggestions made by a Joint Parliamentary Committee, which had gone through the draft legislation laid out in August last year.
The bill aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to remove its deficiencies and enhance the Waqf property administration in India. Some of the major aims are to make Waqf boards more efficient, simplify the process of registration, and use technology to enhance Waqf record management.