The Parliamentary committee scrutinizing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has adopted its draft report and the amended version of the proposed law following a majority vote on Wednesday. The committee, led by Chairman Jagdambika Pal, announced that opposition lawmakers have until 4 pm to submit their dissent notes.

While the committee accepted all amendments proposed by BJP and NDA lawmakers, it rejected the amendments presented by opposition parties. The draft bill, which spans over 600 pages, was circulated among lawmakers on Tuesday, sparking controversy and criticism from the opposition.

Opposition MPs from Congress, AIMIM, TMC, Shiv Sena (UBT), and left-wing parties expressed dissatisfaction with the process and announced their intention to submit dissent notes. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant criticized the bill, claiming it was being pushed for political motives rather than for justice, and warned that including non-Muslims in the Waqf Board could eventually affect temple regulations.

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi also voiced concerns, stating that the amendments were not in the best interest of the Waqf Board. He criticized the rushed signing of the 650-page report and the lack of time for opposition members to review it adequately. Owaisi argued that the amendments would ultimately destroy the Waqf Board.

The scrutiny of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill continues as the political debate surrounding the proposed changes intensifies.