Lok Sabha Speaker Criticizes Sonia Gandhi Over Waqf Bill Remarks
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Synopsis
On April 4, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla criticized Sonia Gandhi for suggesting the Waqf Bill was bulldozed through Parliament. He defended the legislative process, stating that it was thoroughly debated and voted on with participation from all parties.
Key Takeaways
- Waqf Bill underwent extensive debate.
- Speaker Om Birla rebukes Sonia Gandhi.
- Bill discussion lasted 13 hours and 53 minutes.
- Parliamentary procedures were followed in passing the Bill.
- Opposition claims deemed 'baseless' by Minister Kiren Rijiju.
New Delhi, April 4 (NationPress) On Friday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla criticized former Congress president Sonia Gandhi for her statement claiming that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in a 'bulldozed' manner through Parliament.
Birla expressed strong disapproval of her allegations regarding the Waqf Bill being passed 'forcefully' in the House, labeling her comments as 'unfortunate' and asserting that such accusations by a prominent member of the Congress party breach the principles of democracy in Parliament.
The Speaker highlighted that the bill underwent a discussion lasting 13 hours and 53 minutes, with participation from all political parties, followed by three rounds of voting. Despite this, a Congress member continued to assert these claims.
“Three rounds of voting were conducted, and the Bill was passed in accordance with the rules of the House. It is unfortunate that, despite adhering to all parliamentary protocols, such accusations are being made. This does not align with the democratic standards of Parliament,” the Speaker stated.
Om Birla’s rebuttal to Sonia’s claims regarding the Waqf bill being 'bulldozed' was prompted by remarks from Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in Lok Sabha today.
Rijiju pointed out that extensive discussions occurred in both Houses regarding the Waqf bill, yet the Opposition continues to make ‘ baseless and absurd’ allegations about the bill being passed by force.
He also requested that the Speaker issue an “appropriate order” in light of these comments.
Rijiju further noted that the debate on Waqf reforms set a new record for the longest discussion in Rajya Sabha.
“The previous record for the longest discussion in the Rajya Sabha was during the ESMA (Essential Services Maintenance Act) discussion in 1981, which lasted for 16 hours and 51 minutes. Yesterday, this record was surpassed with a 17-hour and 2-minute discussion, making it the longest debate to date,” he informed the House.
A day prior, after the Lok Sabha approved the Waqf Bill following a lengthy debate, Sonia Gandhi expressed her discontent regarding the amendments to party leaders during a meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP). She indicated that the bill was 'bulldozed' through the House and labeled it a blatant attack on the Constitution.
“Yesterday, the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024 was passed in the Lok Sabha and is set to be discussed in the Rajya Sabha today. The bill was effectively bulldozed through. Our party's stance is unequivocal. The Bill is a blatant assault on the Constitution itself,” she remarked.
