Sun Apr 13 15:40:49 UTC 2025: ## BJP Defends Waqf Amendment Bill, Rejects State Opposition
**Bengaluru, April 13, 2025** – The BJP has staunchly defended the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, asserting its constitutionality and dismissing opposition concerns. Addressing a party program in Bengaluru, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi stated that no state can refuse to implement a central law, characterizing any such refusal as a threat to the Indian Constitution.
Trivedi argued that the Bill, which introduces significant changes to the 1995 Waqf Act, aims to improve the management and regulation of waqf properties, enhancing accountability and inclusivity within the Muslim community. He dismissed opposition criticisms, suggesting that existing practices were more exploitative than the proposed reforms.
The BJP MP framed the Bill within a broader context of national integration, arguing that regulating religious institutions is crucial for building a modern, equitable India. He further questioned the existence of waqf boards in India, citing the absence of similar institutions in countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey, and referencing High Court rulings that classify waqf boards as non-religious entities focused on land management.
Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya and Karnataka’s Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok also participated in the event, lending their support to the Bill. The event highlighted the BJP’s commitment to the legislation and its rejection of opposition claims.
First Piper 