Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India]: The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has expressed its dissatisfaction over the absence of Wayanad MP and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi during the recent debate on the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha.
Adding to the criticism, Suprabhatham, the official mouthpiece of Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, published a strongly-worded editorial on April 4, calling her absence during the session a “Black Mark.” The editorial also questioned Priyanka’s whereabouts at a time when the BJP was pushing forward with a bill perceived to threaten the fundamental rights of the Muslim community.
It went on to ask why Congress leader Rahul Gandhi—who is known for his vocal stance on issues of national importance—remained silent during the debate, which Suprabhatham argues has serious implications for national unity.
Despite the criticism, the editorial also acknowledged the joint efforts of opposition parties under the INDIA alliance, including Congress, TMC, and Left, who united in Parliament to oppose the bill.
Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain echoed similar concerns about the bill’s fairness and constitutionality.
“We believe that it is a constitutional problem and that this bill is unconstitutional and unfair. It is targeted legislation. The debate in both houses was very good. We disagreed with the government. Despite knowing that there would be many issues with the bill in the coming days, the government was adamant about passing it… The opposition fought unitedly,” he said.
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 was ultimately passed in both Houses of Parliament following extended debates. The Rajya Sabha sat past midnight to vote on the bill, with Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announcing the results:
“Ayes 128 and Noes 95, Absent zero. The Bill is passed.”
The Lok Sabha also passed the bill after an extensive discussion on Wednesday.
The legislation, which amends the Waqf Act of 1995, incorporates the suggestions of a Joint Parliamentary Committee formed to review the initial draft introduced in August last year. According to the government, the bill is aimed at enhancing the management and administration of Waqf properties across India. It proposes improvements in the registration process, greater use of technology in record keeping, and overall efficiency of Waqf boards.
However, opposition leaders and members of the Muslim community remain concerned about the implications of the bill, particularly in light of ongoing debates about minority rights and religious autonomy in India.