New Delhi [India], April 4 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Friday extended his support to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, asserting that the legislation aims to deliver justice to the majority of the Muslim community while promoting communal unity across India.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha over the bill's passage, Athawale said, 'This bill is to give justice to all Muslims--around 90 per cent of them. It is not unconstitutional. It is a revolutionary bill that seeks to unite Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and all other communities.'

Athawale also used the occasion to scathingly attack the Congress for opposing the bill and accused the party of indulging in a 'divide and rule policy.'

'Muslims have been facing injustice till now. Congress party has been following divide and rule policy and Muslims and Dalits were not getting justice,' he said.

Athawale showcased his signature wit in the Rajya Sabha, entertaining members with his humorous couplets during the parliamentary proceedings.

While addressing the House, the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment took a poetic approach to underline his arguments, drawing chuckles and applause from fellow MPs.

With his poetic jibes, this time, Athavale took on the Opposition while expressing his support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Addressing the House, Athawale recited, 'Waqf Bill ka hum karte hai smaran, Lekin Opposition ko hum kar denge haran. Modiji hai Musalmanon ke sacche wali, Kharge sahib bajao zor-dar tali. Mat dedo roz Modiji ko gaali, Nahi toh kursi karo khaali. Virodhi dalon ki raat ho rahi kaali, Nadda sahab bajao aap bhi tali...'

The verse, filled with wordplay and political barbs, poked fun at the Opposition, particularly Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. It urged him to applaud Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives for the Muslim community and warned the opposition against constant criticism of PM Modi.

Reciting another couplet, Athawale said, 'Itni ho gayi hai raat, Mai kar raha hu Waqf Bill par baat, Mai de raha hu Modi ji ko saath, Isiliye mai Congress ko dikha raha hu haath.'

Continuing his poetic defence of PM Modi's policies, Athawale took a swipe at the Congress, 'Modiji toh Musalmanon ki baat karte hain, Lekin Congress wale toh Musalmanon ka aghat karte hain. Modiji toh gareebon ki baat karte hain, Aur unhone hamesha Muslims, minorities ki baat ki hai.'

Athawale's couplets, delivered with a rhythmic flair, injected a dose of levity into the session

Known for blending poetry with politics, Athawale's quips brought smiles across party lines, lightening the otherwise intense debates in the Upper House.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill of 2025 was a 'watershed moment' and that this would help the marginalised, who have been 'denied both voice and opportunity.'

'The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity,' PM Modi posted on X.

Pointing out that the newly amended Waqf bill would safeguard people's rights, the Prime Minister said that the 'lack' of transparency and accountability in the Waqf system had harmed the interests of Muslim women and Pasmanda Muslims.

The Lok Sabha, which discussed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, passed it past midnight after a marathon debate.

The government introduced the revised bill after incorporating the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which examined the legislation introduced in August last year. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995 and improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India.

The Bill aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records. (ANI)