New Delhi [India], April 4 (ANI): Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Friday responded to opposition criticism of the passing of the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament, stating that those who were misleading the Muslim community regarding the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) are now spreading similar concerns about the Waqf Bill.

Singh asserted that just as no one lost their citizenship under the CAA, the Muslim community would also benefit from the Waqf Bill, emphasising that only those who had been misappropriating resources were opposed to the bill.

'Those who were misleading the Muslims of the country regarding the Citizenship (Amendment) Act are doing the same thing today. Just as no one lost their citizenship, people will similarly see how this bill is useful for the Muslim community. Only those people who were looting have a problem (with this bill),' he said.

BJP MP and the Chairman for the Joint Parliamentary Committee for the Waqf Bill, Jagdambika Pal, hailed the 'big reform' of Parliament passing the Waqf Bill, stating that Waqf properties will now be registered in a portal that will be launched by the minority affairs ministry soon.

'It is a big reform... The properties that are donated to Waqf are for the poor Muslims, widows, and children. However, the Waqf board has failed to open any university, hospital or college in the entire country, and none of the poor have benefitted from it but only a few people in positions. Now, the Waqf properties will be registered. The central government's Minority Ministry will launch a portal,' Pal said.

Parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in the early hours of Friday after a marathon and heated debate.

Rajya Sabha sat beyond midnight to pass the legislation. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said, 'Ayes 128 and Noes 95, Absent zero. The Bill is passed.'

Lok Sabha, which took up discussion on 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)