The recent controversy revolves around remarks made by Sonia Gandhi, a senior Congress leader, regarding the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha. Gandhi described the bill as being “bulldozed through,” implying that it was passed without adequate debate or consideration. This statement sparked a strong reaction from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who criticized her comments as “unfortunate” and undermining the dignity of parliamentary democracy.
Speaker Birla clarified that the bill underwent extensive discussions in the Lok Sabha, lasting over 13 hours and involving contributions from multiple political parties. He emphasized that the bill was passed following proper parliamentary procedures, including three rounds of voting. Birla expressed disappointment that a senior leader like Gandhi would cast aspersions on the legislative process, especially given the thorough debate that preceded the bill’s passage.
Gandhi’s remarks were made during a Congress Parliamentary Party meeting, where she criticized the bill as a “brazen assault on the Constitution” and accused the ruling BJP of using it as part of a strategy to polarize society. Her comments have intensified the political debate surrounding the bill, with BJP leaders demanding an apology and defending the legislative process as transparent and democratic.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition over legislative procedures and the broader implications of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
