BJP Demands Apology from Sonia Gandhi Over Waqf Bill Remarks
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded an apology from Congress leader Sonia Gandhi over her critical remarks on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Mrs. Gandhi termed the Bill a “brazen assault” on the Constitution and accused the BJP of perpetuating “permanent polarisation” in society. Lok Sabha Passes Waqf Bill Amid Controversy The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill late on Thursday after a heated 12-hour debate. While Opposition members proposed amendments, they were rejected by voice vote. The Bill was approved with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. The Rajya Sabha also witnessed intense discussions before passing the Bill with a final count of 128 votes in favor and 95 against. The Opposition labeled the Bill “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional,” while the government defended it as a “historic reform” aimed at benefiting the minority community. Sonia Gandhi Criticizes the Government’s Actions Speaking at a Congress Parliamentary Party meeting in Samvidhan Sadan, Mrs. Gandhi alleged that the Bill was “bulldozed” through the Lok Sabha. She also criticized the proposed One Nation, One Election Bill, calling it a subversion of the Constitution. “Whether it is education, civil rights and liberties, our federal structure, or the conduct of elections, the Modi government is dragging the country into an abyss where our Constitution will remain on paper,” she said. She further accused the government of attempting to turn India into a “surveillance state.” She also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of repackaging Congress-era initiatives as his own and called for a strong public outreach campaign to counter the BJP’s claims. BJP MPs Protest, Demand Apology Following her remarks, BJP MPs, led by Nishikant Dubey, protested in the Lok Sabha, demanding an apology from Sonia Gandhi. They alleged that she had insulted the Constitution by accusing the BJP of “taking the country down the drain.” The protests led to the adjournment of the Lok Sabha on Friday morning, with BJP members chanting “Sonia Gandhi maafi maango” (Sonia Gandhi, apologise). Opposition members countered by demanding government responses on US tariff impositions. Congress Plans to Challenge Bill in Supreme Court In response, the Congress has announced its intent to challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Supreme Court. Party leader Jairam Ramesh stated on X that the Congress would “very soon” file a petition, expressing confidence in resisting what it sees as an attack on constitutional principles by the Modi government.
