Muslim Leaders Express Discontent Over Gandhi's Absence in Waqf Bill Debate
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Synopsis
On April 3, prominent Muslim leaders voiced their disappointment over Rahul Gandhi's absence during the Lok Sabha debate on the Waqf Bill. They had hoped he would advocate for the Muslim community, as the Congress party has historically supported their interests.
Key Takeaways
- Rahul Gandhi skipped the Waqf Bill debate.
- Muslim leaders expressed disappointment over his absence.
- They hoped for statements from Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi.
- The Waqf Bill was passed after a lengthy debate.
- Muslim leaders plan to seek Supreme Court's intervention if the Bill is passed in Rajya Sabha.
New Delhi, April 3 (NationPress) The absence of Lok Sabha's Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, who has persistently opposed the Waqf Bill, during the vital debate in the lower house on Wednesday has left many prominent Muslim leaders feeling disappointed.
Members of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), including Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahli, and the General Secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB), Maulana Yasoob Abbas, expressed their wish that LoP Gandhi would have spoken on behalf of the Muslim community in the Lok Sabha.
In an interview with IANS, Maulana Mahli stated, "I was taken aback by the fact that the LoP didn’t deliver any remarks in Lok Sabha. I hope that the Congress party will make a formal statement on this matter."
Maulana Abbas remarked, "Both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi should have presented their views. I anticipated that Priyanka Gandhi would have attended to vote against the Waqf Bill, but she was absent."
He further added, "We see Indira Gandhi in Priyanka Gandhi. The Congress party has a legacy of advocating for Muslims. Although the party voted against the Bill, I was eager to hear Rahul Gandhi's voice in Lok Sabha."
On the day of the debate, LoP Gandhi was seen in Parliament for a meeting with senior Congress leaders and MPs to strategize on the amendments. However, he exited shortly after the meeting, opting to miss the critical discussion on the Waqf Bill. He later returned for the voting, which prompted backlash regarding his absence during the debate.
Additionally, social media platforms shared videos of LoP Gandhi arriving just prior to the voting wearing cargo pants, a white T-shirt, and chappals, which has attracted online criticism.
The two Muslim leaders also responded to the tabling of the Waqf Bill in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, asserting that they would seek intervention from the Supreme Court if the Bill was approved there as well.
The historic Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday with 288 members voting in favor after a grueling 13-hour debate, while a total of 232 members opposed it.
