The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha has triggered a heated political battle between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress. The latest flashpoint in this ongoing controversy is BJP’s demand for an apology from Congress leader Sonia Gandhi over her strong remarks against the bill.
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The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill after an intense 12-hour debate, with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. The opposition, led by the Congress, has voiced strong objections, terming the bill as an “attack on constitutional values” and a deliberate move to marginalize minority communities. In response, Sonia Gandhi criticized the Modi government for allegedly bulldozing the bill without proper deliberation, adding that it was yet another step toward polarizing society.
Her statement has since ignited a political storm, with BJP leaders accusing her of spreading misinformation and attempting to mislead the public. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and other party members led the demand for a formal apology, arguing that her remarks were an “affront to democratic principles and the sanctity of Parliament.”
Why Is the Waqf Bill Controversial?
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill seeks to introduce significant changes to the governance of waqf properties in India. The bill proposes stricter regulations for the management of waqf properties, increased transparency in transactions, and changes to the powers of Waqf Boards. The BJP government argues that the bill is a much-needed reform to curb alleged mismanagement and corruption within waqf institutions.
On the other hand, the opposition believes that the bill unfairly targets minority communities and undermines the autonomy of Waqf Boards. Congress and other opposition parties have labeled it as “anti-Muslim” and a move that could strip the community of its religious endowments.
Sonia Gandhi’s Statement and the BJP’s Reaction
During a Congress Parliamentary Party meeting at Samvidhan Sadan, Sonia Gandhi accused the BJP of using the bill as a political tool to divide society. She alleged that the government was systematically eroding civil rights and liberties, manipulating election processes, and centralizing power under a “surveillance state.”
Her remarks fueled immediate backlash from the BJP. Nishikant Dubey and several other BJP MPs disrupted Lok Sabha proceedings, chanting “Sonia Gandhi maafi maango” (Sonia Gandhi, apologize). They accused her of undermining the legitimacy of a bill passed through a democratic process.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also criticized Sonia Gandhi, stating, “History has been made with this reform, but you call it bulldozing. Congress is unwilling to accept progress and remains stuck in divisive politics.”
Congress’ Plan to Challenge the Bill
Despite BJP’s demands for an apology, Congress remains firm in its opposition to the bill. Party leaders have announced plans to challenge the bill in the Supreme Court, arguing that it violates constitutional provisions. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated on X (formerly Twitter), “We will very soon contest this bill’s constitutionality. The Modi government cannot trample upon minority rights without resistance.”
Congress has also accused the ruling party of misleading the public by rebranding and marketing several initiatives from the 2004-2014 Congress rule as new policies. The opposition is now planning a nationwide public outreach campaign to counter BJP’s narrative on this and other legislative matters.
Impact on Indian Politics
The ongoing debate over the Waqf Bill and Sonia Gandhi’s remarks come at a crucial time, with the 2025 general elections on the horizon. The BJP is likely to leverage the bill as a move toward “reforming governance” and eliminating alleged corruption within waqf institutions. Meanwhile, the Congress is using the bill to position itself as a protector of minority rights and constitutional values.
This political battle is expected to intensify in the coming months, with both parties rallying their support bases. If Congress successfully challenges the bill in court, it could pose a setback for the BJP. However, if the Supreme Court upholds the bill, it will strengthen the ruling party’s claim of bringing transparency to religious institutions.
The BJP’s demand for Sonia Gandhi’s apology over her Waqf Bill remarks highlights the deep political divisions in India. While the ruling party insists that the bill is a necessary reform, the opposition sees it as an attempt to marginalize minorities. The matter is far from over, as the Congress’ legal challenge could set the stage for yet another high-stakes political and constitutional battle.
By – Jyothi
