Is the process of passing the Waqf Bill really fair, or just another example of the BJP’s majority dominance? The central government passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in both houses of Parliament, even with strong opposition protests. While the ruling BJP says this bill will improve the management of Waqf properties across the country, the Opposition has called it a law that targets minorities. But the bigger question here is not just about the bill. It’s about how the BJP continues to pass major laws easily due to its majority, even on sensitive issues like minority rights — and how the absence of any Muslim MP in the BJP raises important concerns.

Let’s look at the numbers first. In the Lok Sabha, 288 MPs voted in favour of the bill, while 232 voted against it. In the Rajya Sabha, 128 were in favour, and 95 opposed it. Clearly, the BJP has the numbers to pass any bill it wants. But that’s exactly where the issue lies. Is Parliament meant to be a place where only numbers decide everything? Or should it also be a place where concerns of minority communities are heard and respected?

Waqf properties, which belong to the Muslim community, are meant to support religious, social, and educational needs. Many such lands are valuable, and over the years, there have been concerns about corruption and misuse. Reform is needed, but should it come in a way that removes Muslim voices from the boards and councils meant to manage these properties?

The new bill allows non-Muslims to be part of Waqf Boards and gives the government more power in handling disputes related to Waqf lands. Opposition leaders fear this is another way to weaken community rights. And what makes the situation more worrying is this: the BJP, which passed this bill, has no elected Muslim MP in the Lok Sabha. So, who from the party actually spoke for Muslims in this debate?

Isn’t it ironic that the BJP claims to protect minorities but has no Muslim MP to speak on their behalf?

This bill, and the way it was passed, raises concerns about representation. The issue here isn’t only about Muslims or Waqf lands — it’s about whether Indian democracy is still giving voice to all its communities. A truly democratic system works best when different opinions are heard, respected, and debated honestly. But when one party with a strong majority pushes through laws without proper inclusion or dialogue, the spirit of democracy suffers.

Even though the opposition parties tried hard to resist the bill, they were ultimately overpowered. Yet, something hopeful happened during the debate. For the first time in a while, all major opposition parties stood united on a minority issue. They debated, they questioned, and most importantly, they didn’t walk out. Their voices were loud and clear in both houses. This shows that Parliament can still be a space for strong debate, even if the final decision is based on numbers.

Many MPs in the opposition pointed to other past decisions by the BJP government — like the abrogation of Article 370, criminalisation of triple talaq, and the Citizenship Amendment Act — to show a pattern. They argued that the Waqf bill is another example of how this government keeps bringing laws that make Muslims feel excluded.

Some parts of the bill do talk about bringing more transparency and fighting corruption, which is a good thing. But the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Boards and the increase in government control make many question the true intention behind the bill. Are these reforms really for better management, or are they just another way to control minority institutions?

A call for more inclusion, not just numbers

The passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill once again reminds us of the power of majority politics. Yes, the BJP had the numbers. Yes, they followed the legal process. But was it fair? Was it inclusive? Did it reflect the concerns of India’s largest minority?

Without Muslim voices in the ruling party, without an open conversation about the purpose and the impact of such laws, it becomes difficult to trust the promises of equality and justice. For a government that claims to work for everyone, the lack of Muslim representation is more than just a number — it is a message.

The debates around this bill may be over in Parliament, but the real debate — about fairness, trust, and inclusion — is still going on. And India’s democracy will only get stronger when every community, every voice, truly feels heard.

 

You might also be interested: What is the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024? Its history & proposed changes | Explained