Father Thomas Tharayil, representing the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council, expressed hope that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, once enacted, would bring relief to residents of Munambam facing eviction due to land claims by the State Waqf Board. He also expressed disappointment that Kerala's MPs did not support clauses in the bill that could address such issues.
The Bhopal Municipal Corporation presented a budget of Rs 3611.79 crores for the fiscal year 2025-26, with a proposed increase in property tax and water tax. The Indore Municipal Corporation presented a budget of around Rs 8174 crores for the same fiscal year, focusing on development and citizen facilities without increasing taxes.
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal criticized the BJP for allegedly keeping the Muslim issue alive for political gains by invoking topics like Love Jihad and the UCC while debating the Waqf Amendment Bill. He suggested that if changes were to be made to benefit reservations or property rights, they should be directed towards the Hindu Code Bill rather than the Waqf Bill.
Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi condemned the Waqf Amendment Bill for undermining constitutional rights granted under Articles 25 and 26, arguing that it strips religious communities of their autonomy. In contrast, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the bill, stating that its provisions are designed to benefit the Muslim community by improving the management and utilization of Waqf properties.
ABC Chair Kim Williams expressed confidence in the national broadcaster's ability to perform well in any funding review, while acknowledging the need for efficiency and addressing concerns about underperformance in documentaries. He also emphasized the importance of media freedom and the dangers of interference from powerful individuals.