Mayawati Criticizes Rahul Gandhi for Inaction on Waqf Bill
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Synopsis
BSP leader Mayawati has condemned Rahul Gandhi's silence during the Waqf Amendment Bill debate, alleging it has incited anger within the Muslim community. She blames both Congress and BJP for undermining marginalized groups and emphasizes the need for public welfare.
Key Takeaways
- Mayawati criticizes Rahul Gandhi for silence on the Waqf Bill.
- Comparison made to Citizenship Amendment Act.
- Accusations against Congress and BJP for failing marginalized communities.
- Protests erupt over the Waqf Amendment Bill.
- Call for peace and caution from religious leaders.
Lucknow, April 12 (NationPress) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati has criticized Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi for his lack of response during the discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
Drawing comparisons to the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), she claimed that Gandhi's silence has sparked anger within the Muslim community.
On Saturday, Mayawati took to X to voice her concerns over the Congress MP's inaction.
“Is it fitting for the Leader of Opposition to stay mute during the extensive debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha? Especially when the Opposition has highlighted it as a breach of constitutional rights -- similar to the CAA? The Muslim community’s frustration about this silence is entirely justified. This has also caused unease within the INDIA bloc,” she stated.
The BSP chief further accused both the Congress and the BJP of failing marginalized groups.
“Parties like the Congress and BJP share equal blame for compromising the rights of Bahujans by making their reservations ineffective -- in both government jobs and education. Religious minorities must also be wary of their empty assurances,” she remarked.
The former Chief Minister of UP added that such policies have deteriorated the situation of Bahujans in Uttar Pradesh.
“Bahujans are suffering in every domain while BJP affiliates operate without accountability. The increasing privatization of electricity and other public sectors exacerbates these issues. The government must fulfill its constitutional obligation to safeguard public welfare,” she asserted.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, which has passed through both Houses of Parliament and gained approval from President Droupadi Murmu, has officially become law.
Nonetheless, the legislation has faced opposition from Congress, AIMIM, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), all of whom have lodged separate petitions in the Supreme Court contesting its constitutional validity.
Simultaneously, protests against the new law have erupted across various regions of the country. In Uttar Pradesh, law enforcement remains vigilant amid rising tensions.
Religious leaders have called upon the Muslim community to preserve peace and avoid any violent demonstrations. Numerous Opposition parties have also voiced their support for the ongoing protests.
