The Central Government of India has called an urgent meeting of all Members of Parliament (MPs) to discuss the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, as tensions continue to escalate over its provisions.

The bill, introduced to overhaul the management of Waqf properties, has polarized political factions, with the ruling coalition advocating for transparency and the opposition decrying it as an assault on Muslim rights and constitutional values. Today’s deliberation, held during the ongoing Budget Session, aims to resolve these disputes and pave the way for the bill’s passage.

The Waqf Bill introduces significant reforms, including the creation of a Central Waqf Council, the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards, and the delegation of property dispute resolution to district collectors.

These changes have ignited fierce opposition, with critics arguing they erode the autonomy of Waqf institutions and infringe on religious freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), led by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, submitted its report on February 13, 2025, amid chaos in Parliament, with opposition dissent notes reportedly suppressed, intensifying the controversy.

With over 600,000 registered Waqf properties at stake, the government insists the bill will enhance accountability and curb mismanagement. However, opposition parties, including the Congress and AIMIM, allege it disproportionately targets a minority community.

As MPs gather today, the outcome of this meeting could determine the fate of Waqf governance in India, balancing administrative reform against allegations of overreach in a deeply divisive debate.