‘Waqf Amendment Bill against minorities which will disturb peace in country’: Opposition in Lok Sabha

Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, will present the party’s case during the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, after its introduction by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

The bill has faced fierce criticism from the opposition, which has called it “unconstitutional” and accused the BJP of attempting to “remove” the rights of Muslims. Gaurav Gogoi stated that a clause-by-clause examination was not conducted in the Joint Parliamentary Committee and remarked that the law contradicts the Constitution and harms minorities.

“Clause-by-clause discussion, which should have happened in the JPC, was not done. The government’s attitude from day one has been to bring such a law, which is against the Constitution and minorities, which will disturb the peace in the country,” Gogoi said.

Samajwadi Party chief and MP Akhilesh Yadav takes jibe at BJP; he said, “The party that calls itself the world’s largest party has not yet been able to choose its national president.” Replying to him, Union HM Amit Shah said, “All the parties in front of me, their national president, will be chosen by only some family members. We have to choose from 12-13 crore members after a process. So it takes time. In your case, it will not take much time. I am saying that you will remain president for 25 years…”

At the same time, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi demonstrated against the bill in front of Parliament by donning black clothing and carrying a sign that said, “Reject Waqf Bill.” Conversely, Kiren Rijiju stated that the bill faced opposition for political motives, and if the opposition was grounded in logic, there were responses available.

Speaking to the media, the Union Minister said, “Today is a historic day, and today the Waqf Amendment Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha and this bill is being introduced in the interest of the country. Not only crores of Muslims but the whole country will support it. Those who are opposing it are doing so for political reasons. I will present the facts in the House. And I also want that if someone opposes, they should oppose on the basis of logic and we will also answer them.”