Waqf Act Amendments Will Be Enforced Without Exception: Amit Shah in Lok Sabha:

During a debate in the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the amended Waqf Act will be strictly implemented and all citizens will be required to follow it. His comments came as the Waqf Amendment Bill received approval from both Houses of Parliament.

Responding to criticism that minorities may not accept the changes, Shah questioned the stance. “Who are you threatening? This bill is going to be passed by Parliament and everyone will have to accept it,” he said.

Rejection of Discrimination Allegations

Shah rejected claims that the amendments would interfere with minority rights. He emphasized that creating fear among minority communities has become a political tool for vote bank politics.

“There is an attempt to spread confusion by creating fear in the name of religion. But let me clarify—there is no intention to interfere in religious practices or trust management associated with Muslim communities,” Shah said.

Clarification on Religious Institution Management

Addressing concerns, Shah clarified that the amended law does not include any changes that would allow non-Muslims to manage Muslim religious institutions. He reaffirmed that the NDA government does not plan to modify the existing structure of religious governance in the Waqf system.

“There is no provision to add any non-Muslim to manage religious institutions under Waqf. Nor are we going to introduce such a clause,” he added.

Waqf Land Record Update

Shah also provided figures related to Waqf land holdings, stating that from 1913 to 2013, the total Waqf land was 18 lakh acres. Between 2013 and 2025, an additional 21 lakh acres have been added.

The minister concluded by reiterating that the central government respects all religions and that the new law only aims to improve governance, not to interfere in religious freedoms.