MP YV Subba Reddy strongly opposes Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi, April 3: YSR Congress Party MP Y. V. Subba Reddy strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 during the Rajya Sabha debate, saying it threatens the constitutional rights and religious freedoms of the Muslim community in India.
Speaking during the debate, Subba Reddy said the bill could seriously damage the faith of Muslim citizens in the Constitution and Parliament. 
He said that several respected Muslim organizations, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, had raised genuine concerns about the bill, but their voices were ignored.
He stated that the bill goes against Articles 13, 14, 25, and 26 of the Indian Constitution, which protect the rights to equality, religious freedom, and the management of religious institutions. He also criticized the proposal to include non-Muslim members in Waqf boards, calling it unconstitutional and unnecessary.
Subba Reddy pointed out that Andhra Pradesh is home to over 50 lakh Muslims, and the government has failed to protect their interests. He said the bill would weaken the financial structure of the Waqf Board and place unjust restrictions on donations and property dedications.
He also said that the name change of the Waqf Act ignored the religious and cultural importance of the term “Waqf,” which represents charity, faith, and community service.
MP Subba Reddy urged Parliament to stand for the values of democracy and secularism. He said the bill is not just about property, but about protecting the faith and rights of a large community in India.