Could Imran Masood's Waqf Comments Spark Political Fallout?

New Delhi, July 8 (NationPress) Congress MP Imran Masood has ignited a significant political controversy with his assertion that the Waqf Act would be annulled "within an hour" if the Congress secures power at the Centre.

The BJP quickly condemned Masood's statement as "impractical and reckless," while some opposition leaders either expressed support or chose a more measured response.

During a Congress gathering as part of the party's 'Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan (Organisation Building Campaign)', Masood, who represents Saharanpur in the Lok Sabha and serves on the Joint Committee for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, stated, "Once the Congress takes the reins, the Waqf Board Act will be nullified in less than an hour."

His statement follows the recent enactment of the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed by Parliament.

The Bill received Lok Sabha approval on April 3, with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, and cleared the Rajya Sabha on April 4 after a lengthy 13-hour debate.

President Droupadi Murmu signed the Bill into law on April 5.

Masood's comments sparked immediate backlash from BJP officials.

BJP National Spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi remarked, "He will have to wait for at least 100 years. The Congress had 50 years in power and failed to benefit the populace. Now they propose to scrap the Act? They will face the consequences of their past for the next century."

Uttar Pradesh Minister Anil Rajbhar also criticized Masood, stating, "Imran Masood is making promises that will never materialize. He is daydreaming. The Indian Parliament enacted this law through constitutional means, and suggesting its repeal now is neither sensible nor feasible."

On the other hand, some opposition figures adopted a more cautious approach.

Maharashtra NCP(SP) MLA Rohit Pawar indicated, "Reports suggest that influential businessmen and real estate companies have their sights set on Waqf Board properties. Those lands should remain with the underprivileged. Exploiting them for business is unjust. I believe the Congress shares concerns about such exploitation."

Samajwadi Party (SP) spokesperson Manoj Kaka refrained from supporting Masood's comments, stating, "I’m unsure of what Imran Masood is attempting to convey. This decision rests with the government, and I would prefer not to comment on such leaders."

Nevertheless, Maharashtra SP MLA Abu Azmi defended Masood, expressing to IANS, "He voiced a valid concern. The government is doing everything possible to oppress Muslims. If he claims the Waqf Act should be abolished under a new regime, I support that viewpoint."