The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, tabled in Lok Sabha, removes Section 40, which allowed the Waqf Board to declare land as Waqf property. Law Minister Kiren Rijiju called it the "most draconian" provision, alleging misuse for mass land conversions. The Bill, now renamed the UMEED Bill, allows legal challenges in high courts within 90 days. It also removes 'Waqf by user,' ensuring only self-owned property can be declared Waqf. Rijiju cited cases from Kerala and Haryana, where Christian and Sikh communities opposed Waqf land claims. The Bill shifts property decisions to district collectors, preventing arbitrary conversions. (PC: 

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha, claiming that “PM Modi stopped Parliament takeover by waqf” and that the previous Congress government would have handed over Parliament and airport lands. The bill seeks to amend the 1995 Waqf Act, which governs properties donated by Muslims. Opposition leaders protested, calling it unlawful, while Rijiju insisted the bill would ensure "accountability and transparency" in Waqf property management. He stated it was in the interest of poor Muslims, children, and women. The opposition raised slogans as the debate intensified. (PC: India Today)

The Lok Sabha is set for a heated debate as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is tabled for discussion and passage. BJP leader NV Subhash called it a “historic day”, while Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that opposition to the bill should be on the “basis of logic”. The bill proposes 40 amendments, including non-Muslim representation in Waqf boards and mandatory registration of Waqf properties. Congress and other opposition parties call it "unconstitutional" and plan to challenge it. BJP and its allies have issued whips to ensure MP attendance, with Amit Shah expected to join the debate. (PC: PTI)

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, will be introduced in the Lok Sabha today, sparking a heated debate between the NDA and the INDIA bloc. The bill aims to amend the 1995 Waqf Act to improve waqf property management but faces opposition for proposed changes, including the inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf boards. Opposition parties argue the bill centralizes control and undermines Muslim institutions. The Business Advisory Committee allocated 8 hours for debate, but the INDIA bloc demanded 12. With the NDA holding a majority, the bill is expected to pass despite strong resistance. (PC: India Today)

Opposition parties, including Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and CPI(M), have vowed to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it "divisive" and unconstitutional. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said they would fight it "tooth and nail" in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The BJP-led government, with a strong majority, has allocated eight hours for debate. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi labeled it a "Waqf barbaad bill," accusing the government of targeting Muslim religious freedom. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed opposition claims as misleading. Congress and BJP have issued whips to ensure attendance as tensions rise in Parliament. (PC: 

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has called on secular parties, including BJP allies, to oppose the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha on April 2. AIMPLB President Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani warned the bill threatens Waqf properties and contradicts constitutional rights under Articles 14, 25, and 26. "This move seeks to destroy communal harmony," Rahmani stated. The bill proposes 40 amendments, including non-Muslim representation in Waqf boards. The government claims modernization, but opposition parties demand scrutiny, alleging an agenda against Muslim communities. The bill had earlier been reviewed by a joint parliamentary committee. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis dismissed Sanjay Raut’s claim that PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters signaled his retirement. Speaking in Nagpur, Fadnavis stated, “In 2029, we will see Modi as the Prime Minister again.” He criticized discussions on succession, calling them inappropriate in Indian culture. Raut had alleged that the RSS wanted a leadership change and Modi might retire at 75. Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters was his first since becoming PM. (PC: News18)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has dismissed discussions about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's successor as unnecessary, responding to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut's predictions. Raut had forecasted that Fadnavis would serve as the Leader of the Opposition following the state assembly elections. Fadnavis, however, emphasized the BJP's strong mandate in Maharashtra, highlighting that the Mahayuti alliance secured 232 out of 288 assembly seats, with the BJP alone winning 132. He credited this success to PM Modi's leadership and expressed confidence in the current administration's stability. Fadnavis also noted that the BJP's core committee unanimously elected him as the legislative party leader, reinforcing his position within the party. (PC: News18)

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning to retire in September and that his recent visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur was linked to this transition. Raut alleged that PM Modi, who has not visited the RSS office in over a decade, went to bid farewell to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. He suggested that the RSS is looking for a new leader. The remarks came after Modi paid tribute to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, calling the organisation a “banyan tree” of India’s cultural and ideological heritage. (PC: PTI)

Poll strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has defended comedian Kunal Kamra amid controversy over his ‘gaddaar’ remark about Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. Speaking in Bihar’s Kathihar, Kishor dismissed claims that Kamra had a political agenda, stating, “Kunal is my friend. He lives in Puducherry, does organic farming, and has no hidden motives.” Kamra’s remarks led to vandalism by Shiv Sena supporters and legal action against him. The Madras High Court granted him interim bail, barring immediate arrest. Kishor urged that legal proceedings take their course but emphasized Kamra’s patriotism and respect for the Constitution. (PC: India Today and X/Kunalkamra88)