Leader of the Rajya Sabha and Union Minister JP Nadda on Thursday strongly defended the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, asserting that it is in the nation's best interest and aims to bring transparency and accountability in Waqf property management. He accused the Opposition of attempting to "bulldoze" Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s efforts to reform Waqf laws.

"I stand here in support of the Bill, and I hope that the House will also support it. Mujhe umeed hai ki UMEED (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development) ka samarthan hoga," Nadda said in the Rajya Sabha.

He criticized the previous Waqf law (2013-25), stating that it had caused significant harm to the Muslim community and allowed land mafias to exploit Waqf properties. "The basic mantra of this Bill is to bring transparency and accountability. Because between 2013-25, this law was in the wrong direction, it has caused great harm to the Muslim brothers. The land mafia has made a lot of money out of it," he remarked.

Referring to the heated debate on the Bill, Nadda said, "When you have arguments, you present them, but when you lack arguments, you raise your voice and try to sensationalize the issue. I saw this in the Lok Sabha debate as well."

During the discussion, the BJP chief also criticized the existing Waqf law for preventing citizens from legally challenging Waqf Board decisions. He cited a Supreme Court observation, stating that infringing on a person's property is equivalent to attacking their right to life.

Nadda further clarified that under the new amendments, the Waqf Board will not be allowed to take over properties under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), historical and religious monuments, or tribal lands. The government aims to prevent misuse of Waqf properties while ensuring fair and legal property rights for all citizens.