Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, amidst significant controversy and debate.
- Opposition Concerns:
- Alleged transgression into personal law and property rights.
- Fears of polarisation and violation of religious freedom.
- Criticism for not including recommendations from the Opposition.
- Opposition Leaders' Views:
- The bill could disenfranchise minority communities.
- The bill aimed to appease certain voters and divide communities.
- Government's Defense:
- Home Minister stated the inclusion of non-Muslims was for administrative purposes.
- Minority Affairs Minister emphasized the bill's secular intent and aimed to curb arbitrary land claims by Waqf Boards.
Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025
The Rajya Sabha passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, addressing several contentious issues regarding immigration.
- Key Concerns:
- Alleged excessive powers to immigration officers and discrimination against foreign nationals.
- Potential negative impact on foreign journalists and academics.
- Debate Highlights:
- The issue of removing illegal immigrants especially the Rohingya and Bangladeshis were highlighted.
- Some leaders expressed concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals.
- The lack of an appellate mechanism in the bill was also noted.
- Government's Stance:
- The Minister of State for Home Affairs asserted the bill would enhance agency collaboration and ease data management.
