Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], April 4 (ANI): Juna Akhara's Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj on Friday backed the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it a long-awaited reform welcomed by the nation.

He added that land encroachments will no longer be allowed, emphasising that India belongs to figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji, Guru Gobind Singh, and Tirthankars, not invaders.

Speaking to ANI, Swami Avdheshanand of Juna Akhara said, 'It was needed for a long time, and the people from the Muslim community were demanding it. For those who had no means, their lands were encroached upon, and they had nowhere to appeal but only in the Waqf board. The entire country is welcoming it. Muslim clerics, who are my friends, are also welcoming it...'

'There might be a few people who are opposing it - maybe they are trying to strengthen their political ground so that their existence can be secured. I think many reforms are needed, and I welcome this... This land doesn't belong to the invaders but of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Guru Govind Singh, Tirthankars...and the land encroachment will not be permitted in this country anymore,' he added.

In a recent development, 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.'

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha leader of opposition (LoP) and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge attacked the union government after the parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, saying that the government had taken a 'negative stand.'

It is their interpretation. We kept our views on the bill in front of them (the government). They have taken a negative stand, and they are taking it forward,' Kharge told reporters.

Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan said that it is 'unfortunate' that the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 has been passed.

The Parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in the early hours of Friday after a marathon and heated debate. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said, 'Ayes 128 and Noes 95, Absent zero. The Bill is passed.' The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, has also been passed in Parliament. Lok Sabha had previously passed the Bill. (ANI)