Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 3: Prominent Muslim leaders have expressed disappointment over Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi’s absence during the crucial debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Despite his vocal opposition to the Bill, Gandhi chose not to participate in the discussion, leaving several community representatives disheartened.
Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahli, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and Maulana Yasoob Abbas, General Secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB), voiced their concerns, stating that they had expected Gandhi to speak on behalf of the Muslim community.
"I was surprised that the LoP did not make any statement in the Lok Sabha. I hope the Congress party will issue a proper clarification," said Maulana Mahli.
Maulana Abbas echoed similar sentiments, saying, "Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi should have spoken against the Bill. I was expecting Priyanka Gandhi to come and vote against it, but she did not. We see Indira Gandhi in Priyanka, and the Congress has a legacy of standing with the Muslim community. While the party voted against the Bill, Rahul Gandhi’s absence from the debate was disappointing."
Despite being present in Parliament earlier in the day for discussions with senior Congress leaders on the party’s stance regarding the Bill, Gandhi left before the debate began. He returned only for the voting process, a move that drew criticism both within and outside Parliament. Videos circulating on social media showed Gandhi arriving just before the vote, dressed casually in cargo pants, a white T-shirt, and chappals, further fueling online backlash.
Meanwhile, as the Waqf Bill was tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Muslim leaders warned that if passed, they would approach the Supreme Court to challenge it.
The Lok Sabha had passed the historic Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday after an intense 13-hour debate, with 288 members voting in favor and 232 opposing it.