Non-INDIA bloc Opposition parties BJD and YSRCP oppose Waqf Bill 

BJD MP Muzibulla Khan said Muslims across the country are tense anticipating trouble with the provision allowing inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board. File

The two non-INDIA bloc Opposition parties – Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) – opposed the Waqf (amendment) Bill 2025 in Rajya Sabha objecting to the clauses concerning inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board, restriction on donation of property only by individuals who have practiced Islam for at least five years and interference by the government.

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The two parties together have 14 members in the Upper House. YSRCP MP Yerram Venkata Subba Reddy countered the government’s claim that wide consultations were conducted. Mr. Reddy said the concerns expressed by several Muslim organisation met with indifference. He also used the opportunity to attack political rival TDP, accusing them of failing to safeguard the interests of 50 lakh Muslims in Andhra Pradesh. The Bill, Mr. Reddy said, is unconstitutional since it infringes on fundamental rights. “Inclusion on non-Muslims in the Waqf Board is a direct infringement on the autonomy of the boards. The Bill also cripples the financial stability of the Waqf Boards,” he said.

He added that the restriction on donation of property, with the new clause, that only a person who has been practicing Islam for at least five years is unjust.

BJD MP Muzibulla Khan said Muslims across the country are tense anticipating trouble with the provision allowing inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board. “We don’t know what these non-Muslims will do,” Mr. Khan said. This anxiety, he said, is because of the fear instilled in the minds of the Muslims because of the treatment meted out to them.

“We do not always have places to pray. Processions of all religions go through the road. But we regularly see that a Muslim is beaten up for reading namaz. This feeling of fear has to be addressed,” Mr. Khan said. He further questioned the clause that only a person practicing Islam for at least five years can donate. He asked, “Now where will we bring the proof of being a Muslim. Do we wear a cap or grow a beard to prove that,” he asked.

As per sources, the INDIA bloc parties had reached out to both the BJD and the YSRCP, in the hope of shoring up its numbers against the legislation in Rajya Sabha.