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Key Points

The Rajya Sabha achieved a historic milestone by conducting its longest-ever debate lasting 17 hours and 2 minutes on the Waqf Amendment Bill. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju celebrated this unprecedented legislative session, which surpassed the previous record set in 1981. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar praised the members for their commitment to democratic dialogue and legislative excellence. The Budget Session demonstrated remarkable productivity, with the Rajya Sabha functioning for 159 hours and achieving 119% efficiency.

Key Points: Rajya Sabha Breaks Record with 17-Hour Waqf Bill Debate

  • Unprecedented 17-hour continuous debate breaks 1981 parliamentary discussion record
  • Waqf Amendment Bill passed after marathon legislative session
  • Kiren Rijiju highlights parliamentary dialogue without disruption
2 min read

With 17.02 hours debate, Waqf Bill discussion in RS broke previous record of 16.55 hours

Historic 17-hour parliamentary debate on Waqf Amendment Bill sets new legislative benchmark in Rajya Sabha's procedural excellence

"This would send a great message to people at large and enhance belief in this great institution. - Jagdeep Dhankhar, Rajya Sabha Chairman"

New Delhi, April 6

The extensive and rigorous debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha last week came as not just another defining moment of the Parliamentary journey, but it also set a new benchmark by scripting new record of having longest discussion in the history of the Upper House.

The debate on the Waqf Bill 2025 in Rajya Sabha saw unprecedented debate and fiery exchanges too, and proceeded at a stretch for more than 17 hours, surpassing the last longest debate in 1981.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju took to social media on Sunday to share glimpses of the 'facilitators' of the longest ever discussion in Rajya Sabha.

Taking to X, Rijiju shared pictures and wrote: "With MoS Arjun Ram Meghwal, Murugan, Secretary, Adl. Secretary & JS in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. Discussion on Waqf Amendment Bill for 17 hours, 2 minutes in Rajya Sabha broke the earlier record time discussion on ESMA (16 hours 55 Minutes) created in 1981!"

April 3, the penultimate day of Budget Session, saw Rajya Sabha witnessing its longest-ever sitting in the history of the House, lasting from 11:00 a.m. on Thursday to 4:02 a.m. the following day.

After the passage of the Waqf Bill from both houses of Parliament, Rijiju spoke to newsmen on Friday and called it a new record in Parliamentary proceedings and a testament to dramatic discussion without disruption.

A day ago, Lok Sabha cleared the Bill after a 12-hour-long marathon debate.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar also hailed the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as a "historic legislation" and called it a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through dialogue and shared purpose.

Dhankhar congratulated the Upper House members for joining the "unprecedented" sitting and said, "The Rajya Sabha etched its name in the annals of legislative history."

"The sitting began at 11 a.m. on April 3 and continued till 4.02 a.m. the next that is, this day. The longest in its history," he said, complementing members for their 17-hour initiative to debate the legislation.

"This would send a very great message to people at large and enhance belief in this great institution. The Rajya Sabha has, once again, set the democratic standards worth emulation by others," he said.

Overall, the Rajya Sabha functioned for a total of 159 hours in the Budget Session, with productivity standing at 119 per cent.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is what democracy looks like! 17 hours of debate shows how seriously our representatives take legislation. Hope this sets a new standard for meaningful discussions in Parliament 👏
R
Rahul S.
While the dedication is commendable, I wonder if this is the most efficient use of parliamentary time. Couldn't some of these discussions be streamlined without losing quality?
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Amit P.
The Waqf Bill affects millions of people - glad to see such thorough debate. Shows our democracy is alive and kicking! The 1981 record stood for over 40 years, that's impressive.
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Neha T.
MPs debating through the night - respect! Though I do hope they got some chai and snacks to keep going. This is the kind of parliamentary work we need to see more often.
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Sanjay M.
The productivity at 119% is what caught my eye. Shows what can be achieved when Parliament actually functions properly instead of constant disruptions we usually see.
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Meena R.
Historic indeed! But let's not forget the content of the bill matters more than the duration of debate. Hope the amendments truly benefit those affected. The real test begins now.

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