New Delhi |
The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha has triggered sharp political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the Congress party. Following critical remarks by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, BJP MPs demanded a public apology, while the Congress has announced its intention to challenge the Bill in the Supreme Court.
What Is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill?
Waqf refers to a religious endowment in Islamic law — typically land or property donated for religious or charitable purposes. Waqf boards in India manage these properties, which are meant to serve the welfare of the Muslim community.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2023, as passed by the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, seeks to:
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Improve transparency and regulate the use of Waqf properties more strictly.
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Prevent illegal occupation and sale of Waqf lands.
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Empower Waqf Boards to better serve the community.
The government has called it a “historic reform” aimed at safeguarding assets and ensuring accountability.
However, the Opposition has criticized the Bill, labeling it as “anti-Muslim”, “unconstitutional”, and lacking in proper consultation.
Congress Opposition and Sonia Gandhi’s Remarks
During a Congress Parliamentary Party meeting, Sonia Gandhi described the Bill as a “brazen assault on the Constitution” and accused the BJP of pushing India into “permanent polarisation.” She alleged that the Bill was “bulldozed” through the Lok Sabha without proper debate and said the government was turning India into a “surveillance state.”
She also criticized the proposed One Nation, One Election model, calling it a subversion of federalism and constitutional values.
Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, were present during the meeting. The party pledged a public outreach campaign to counter what it sees as misrepresentation of UPA-era policies under the current government.
BJP’s Reaction: ‘Sonia Gandhi Must Apologise’
In response, BJP leaders, led by Nishikant Dubey, demanded an apology from Sonia Gandhi. They claimed her comments insulted the Constitution and Parliament. Slogans like “Sonia Gandhi Maafi Maango” were raised in the Lok Sabha on Friday, leading to an adjournment amid noisy protests.
Congress to Move Supreme Court
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the party would
“soon challenge the Bill in the Supreme Court,”
arguing that it undermines the principles and protections guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
What Happens Next?
With the Bill passed by both Houses — 288 votes to 232 in the Lok Sabha, and 128 to 95 in the Rajya Sabha — it now awaits Presidential assent. Legal experts and political observers will be closely watching the Supreme Court challenge, which could shape the national conversation around religious rights, minority welfare, and legislative transparency.
