Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha today, calling it an attack on Muslims and the Indian Constitution by the BJP and RSS.
“The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a weapon aimed at marginalizing Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights,” Gandhi wrote on X.
He further warned that the bill sets a dangerous precedent. “This attack on the Constitution by the RSS, BJP, and their allies is aimed at Muslims today, but it paves the way for targeting other communities in the future. The Congress party strongly opposes this legislation, as it attacks the very idea of India and violates Article 25, which guarantees the Right to Freedom of Religion,” he said.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed Gandhi’s concerns, criticizing the bill as “blatantly unconstitutional.” “The Modi government’s Waqf (Amendment) Bill undermines the Right to Freedom of Religion and seeks to bring personal laws under state control. The BJP, which has long treated minorities as second-class citizens, is now targeting their properties through this Bill. The Congress party will oppose this divisive RSS/BJP agenda, which goes against the law of the land,” Kharge said.
Despite strong opposition, Home Minister Amit Shah defended the bill, assuring that it does not interfere with religious matters. “The government’s sole aim is to ensure transparency in the administration of Waqf properties,” he stated.
The BJP found support from its allies, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal (United), Shiv Sena, and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), while the INDIA bloc presented a united front against the bill.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of using the bill for political polarization. “This is a ploy after their losses in the Lok Sabha elections. It will send the wrong message to the world and damage India’s secular image,” he said.
