BJP Demands Sonia Gandhi’s Apology Over Waqf Amendment Bill Controversy

Lead: In a heated exchange in the Indian Parliament, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded an apology from Congress leader Sonia Gandhi after she vehemently criticized the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill, labeling it a “brazen assault on the Constitution.” The controversial comments were made during a Congress Parliamentary Party meeting on Thursday, leading to uproar in the Lok Sabha on Friday. The Waqf Bill was passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, reflecting increasing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition.

Background on the Waqf Amendment Bill

– The Waqf Amendment Bill aims to revise certain provisions related to waqf properties, which are properties donated for religious or charitable purposes in Islam.
– The bill received approval from both Houses of Parliament, with votes indicating a significant divide between ruling and opposition members.

Details of Sonia Gandhi’s Remarks

– During her address, Sonia Gandhi expressed strong disapproval of the bill’s passage, stating:
– “The Bill was, in effect, bulldozed through. Our party’s position is clear. The Bill is a brazen assault on the Constitution itself.”
– She accused the BJP of attempting to polarize Indian society through legislative measures.

– Her comments provoked a backlash from BJP members, who shouted slogans demanding her apology, claiming her language disrespected parliamentary decorum.

The Encounter in Lok Sabha

– The controversy escalated in the Lok Sabha, where BJP MPs resounded calls of “Sonia Gandhi, maafi maango” (Sonia Gandhi, apologize).
– The uproar led to the adjournment of the House shortly after discussions began, with tensions spilling over and disrupting proceedings.

Concerns Over Parliamentary Democracy

– Gandhi highlighted concerns regarding freedom of expression in the Parliament:
– She noted that leaders from the opposition were not allowed adequate opportunities to voice their opinions.
– “It is a matter of grave concern to our democracy that the LOP in the Lok Sabha is not permitted to speak,” she emphasized, referring to the Leader of the Opposition, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.

– The Congress party has criticized the government’s behavior during parliamentary sessions, accusing it of stifling dissent.

Upcoming Legal Challenges

– In light of recent events, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh announced that the party would challenge the constitutionality of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Supreme Court.
– Ramesh described the passage of the bill as an “assault by the Narendra Modi government on the Indian Constitution,” underscoring the party’s commitment to addressing perceived injustices.

Parliamentary Vote Outcomes

– The Waqf Bill was approved in the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favor and 95 against it.
– In the Lok Sabha, 288 members supported the bill, while 232 opposed it, indicating a sharp partisan divide.

Additional Legislative Developments

– Alongside the Waqf Bill, Parliament also approved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025. It had already received assent from the Lok Sabha.

– The passage of these bills signals a broader governmental strategy that could reshape the management of waqf properties in India.

Conclusion: The demand for Sonia Gandhi’s apology highlights the escalating tensions between the BJP and Congress in a politically charged environment surrounding legislative discussions. As the Congress party prepares for a legal challenge, the future of the Waqf Amendment Bill and its implications for parliamentary practices remain uncertain. Public reactions are likely to continue shaping the discourse around this contentious issue.

Keywords: Sonia Gandhi, Waqf Amendment Bill, BJP, Congress, Lok Sabha, Parliamentary democracy, legal challenge, Narendra Modi, opposition, Mussalman Wakf Bill.

Hashtags: #SoniaGandhi #WaqfBill #BJP #Congress #Parliament #IndianPolitics #SupremeCourt #Democracy



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