In a marathon session stretching past midnight, the Lok Sabha passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, early Thursday, April 3, with a vote of 288 in favor and 232 against.

The decision came after over 12 hours of heated debate, where the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) championed the legislation as a boon for minority communities, while the opposition branded it "anti-Muslim" and a threat to religious rights.

The bill, which amends the Waqf Act of 1995, faced stiff resistance from opposition members, whose proposed amendments were shot down by voice votes. Union Minorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, wrapping up the debate, staunchly defended the legislation, asserting India’s unparalleled safety for minorities.

"There is no place in the world safer than India for minorities," he declared, emphasizing that even tiny communities like the Parsis thrive here. "I am a minority myself, and we live without fear, with pride," he added, countering claims that the bill undermines minority security.

The passage marks a significant win for the NDA, though the opposition vows to fight on, setting the stage for a showdown in the Rajya Sabha.