The Bharatiya Janata Party has called for an apology from Congress leader Sonia Gandhi following her sharp criticism of the Waqf Bill. Gandhi described the bill as a “brazen assault” on the Constitution and accused the BJP of attempting to keep society in a state of “permanent polarisation.”
During a meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party, Gandhi asserted that the bill was “bulldozed” through the Lok Sabha without adequate deliberation. She emphasized that the legislation is part of the BJP’s deliberate strategy to maintain societal divisions.
In response, BJP members in the Lok Sabha demanded an apology from Gandhi for her statements. Treasury bench members raised slogans such as “Sonia Gandhi maafi maango” during parliamentary proceedings.
The Waqf Bill, which has passed both houses of Parliament, introduces significant changes to the management of Muslim charitable endowments, known as waqfs. The bill proposes the inclusion of non-Muslims on waqf boards and increases governmental oversight. Supporters argue that these measures aim to reduce corruption and enhance transparency. However, critics, including opposition parties and Muslim organizations, contend that the bill infringes upon the constitutional rights of Muslims and could lead to the seizure of historically significant religious properties lacking formal documentation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the passage of the bill as a “watershed moment,” asserting that it advances socio-economic fairness and inclusivity. Conversely, opposition leaders, such as Rahul Gandhi, warn that the bill risks marginalizing Muslims and sets a precedent that could threaten other communities.
The Congress party has indicated plans to challenge the constitutionality of the Waqf Bill in the Supreme Court. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that the party is committed to resisting what it perceives as assaults on the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
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