Thu Apr 03 11:31:03 UTC 2025: ## Waqf Amendment Bill Passes Lok Sabha, Aims to Curb Corruption: Ranaut

**New Delhi** – The Waqf Amendment Bill, passed by the Lok Sabha early Thursday morning after a lengthy debate, has been lauded by actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut as a crucial step in tackling widespread corruption. Speaking to reporters outside parliament today, Ms. Ranaut, MP for Mandi, hailed the bill, stating it reinforces the principle that no individual or organization, including religious ones, is above the law.

The bill, which aims to improve the management and administration of Waqf properties, cleared the Lok Sabha by a vote of 288-232 after a 12-hour debate. While the government maintains the bill focuses solely on property management and not religion, the opposition Congress party argued the BJP is attempting to polarize society. The Congress alleges the bill is a consequence of the BJP’s failure to secure a majority in the last general election and cites “appeasement politics” as the cause of past irregularities.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, introducing the bill in the Rajya Sabha, highlighted the significant number of Waqf properties (8.72 lakh) and the potential income generated, citing a 2006 Sachar Committee estimate that projected earnings of ₹12,000 crore from just 4.9 lakh properties. The government contends the bill will address large-scale irregularities and ensure Waqf properties benefit women and children. The bill is currently under consideration in the Rajya Sabha.

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