‘Watershed moment’: PM Modi hails Waqf Bill passage in Parliament 2025 best
‘Watershed Moment’: PM Modi Hails Waqf Bill Passage in Parliament
In what is being termed a landmark reform in religious endowment governance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 as a “watershed moment” in India’s legislative history. ‘Watershed moment’: PM Modi hails Waqf Bill passage in Parliament 2025 best With both Houses of Parliament clearing the bill and only the President’s assent remaining, the government’s push for a comprehensive overhaul of waqf property administration has reached a historic milestone.
The Prime Minister’s endorsement comes amid significant political and public discourse surrounding the bill. Supporters argue it will enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability, while critics caution against centralization and the erosion of minority rights. Regardless of perspective, the bill has clearly made a national impact.
PM Modi’s Statement: A Vision for Reform
Soon after the bill cleared the Rajya Sabha, PM Modi took to social media and later addressed the media, calling it a “transformative step” that empowers communities and ensures responsible management of religious endowments.
“The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is not just legislation—it’s a commitment to transparency, accountability, and empowerment. It will ensure that waqf properties truly serve the community’s welfare. This is a watershed moment for India’s inclusive growth vision,” said PM Modi.
He emphasized that the bill aligns with the government’s larger governance agenda—Digital India, Good Governance, and Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.
A Push Toward Transparency and Modernization
PM Modi’s government has championed digitization and reform across various sectors, and the Waqf Bill fits within this strategy. Key initiatives that received the PM’s specific praise include:
✅ Creation of a National Digital Waqf Registry ✅ Mandatory financial audits and public disclosures ✅ Time-bound dispute resolution by specialized Waqf Tribunals ✅ Clear eligibility criteria for Waqf Board members
He reiterated that this bill is designed to serve the poor, educational institutions, and health projects by unlocking the value of underutilized waqf properties.
Political Reactions to PM Modi’s Endorsement
While BJP MPs echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, saying that the bill would “protect and preserve waqf properties from corruption and encroachment”, ‘Watershed moment’: PM Modi hails Waqf Bill passage in Parliament 2025 best opposition leaders accused the government of politicizing a sensitive issue.
Congress MP’s Response:
“The PM calls it a watershed moment, but the minority community sees it as an erosion of federal rights. Dialogue is missing.”
AIMIM Leader Asaduddin Owaisi:
“What is being hailed as transparency is actually an overreach. Centralizing waqf governance dilutes community participation.”
Despite the divergent views, the Prime Minister’s involvement has placed the bill at the center of national discourse.
Historical Context: A Reform Years in the Making
Waqf reforms have long been part of India’s administrative agenda. ‘Watershed moment’: PM Modi hails Waqf Bill passage in Parliament 2025 best Reports from the Sachar Committee (2006) and Joint Parliamentary Committees highlighted the mismanagement of waqf lands, prompting calls for legislative action.
PM Modi referred to these historical grievances in his speech:
“For years, we’ve seen how waqf lands were misused, encroached upon, or simply neglected. This bill restores dignity and purpose to those assets.”
He also mentioned how the new law would act as a deterrent to real estate mafias, which have historically preyed on waqf lands.
Implications for the Muslim Community
While the Prime Minister’s praise frames the bill as an empowerment tool for Muslims, reactions from within the community remain divided:
- Some progressive Muslim voices welcomed the emphasis on accountability and digitization.
- Traditional leaders and clerics expressed concerns about the central government’s direct
- ‘Watershed moment’: PM Modi hails Waqf Bill passage in Parliament 2025 best involvement in waqf matters, traditionally managed at the state level.
To address the concerns, PM Modi assured that implementation will involve dialogue with community leaders, and the Central Waqf Council will include credible, community-nominated figures.
Alignment with Modi’s Broader Policy Themes
The Prime Minister framed the bill as part of a trilogy of reforms:
- One Nation, One Digital Framework – Bringing uniformity in data systems including land, education, and religious endowments.
- Zero Tolerance Toward Corruption – Strengthening institutions and processes across the board.
- Inclusive Development (Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas) – Ensuring minorities and disadvantaged groups are integrated into national progress.
His address also highlighted how waqf reforms would create employment opportunities, ensure better access to education, and support healthcare infrastructure through more efficient use of waqf funds.
Media and Public Reaction
Leading media houses reflected the significance of PM Modi’s statement. Headlines ranged from:
- “PM Hails Landmark Reform in Waqf Governance”
- “Modi’s Watershed Moment or Minority Overreach?”
- “Reforms to Remember: Waqf Bill 2025 Clears Hurdles”
On social media, the Prime Minister’s message generated millions of impressions, with hashtags like #WaqfReform, #WatershedMoment, and #ModiForTransparency trending across platforms.
Implementation Plans Following PM’s Address
Following PM Modi’s endorsement, the Ministry of Minority Affairs released a roadmap for immediate implementation:
- 30-day deadline for Waqf Boards to submit digital records
- Audit Guidelines to be finalized in consultation with the CAG
- State workshops to educate Waqf administrators
- A new “Waqf Reforms Dashboard” on the Central Waqf Council website for public monitoring
PM Modi also announced a “Waqf Empowerment Mission”, a national campaign to improve awareness, training, and resource utilization related to waqf lands and funds.
Civil Society and Legal Expert Views
Supportive Views:
- Transparency International India called it a “giant leap forward.”
- National Council for Minorities said the bill reflects a serious commitment to reforms long overdue.
Critical Views:
- Some constitutional experts flagged concerns about potential violations of Article 26 (freedom to manage religious affairs).
- Others demanded parliamentary oversight mechanisms to ensure the Central Waqf Council remains accountable.
What’s Next? Presidential Assent and Legal Challenges
With both Houses having passed the bill and PM Modi’s strong endorsement, President Droupadi Murmu’s assent is expected shortly. However, some civil society organizations have indicated they might challenge parts of the bill in the Supreme Court, particularly provisions that they allege violate federal principles.
Still, with political momentum behind it and the Prime Minister’s framing of it as a “reform for the people”, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is poised to reshape how India governs one of its most complex religious-legal frameworks.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment in Minority Affairs Legislation
PM Modi’s declaration of the bill as a “watershed moment” reflects the central importance the government places on religious and administrative reforms. Whether hailed as visionary or criticized as intrusive, there’s no denying that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 represents a turning point.
As India prepares for the law’s implementation, all eyes will be on how its promises translate into real change on the ground—for waqf managers, state boards, and the community at large.
One thing is clear: Prime Minister Modi has staked a major political claim on reforming an age-old institution—and history will judge its impact.
