Delhi 2 April 2025(Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday accused the government of using the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, as a tool to “dilute the Constitution, defame minority communities, divide Indian society, and disenfranchise minorities”.
Speaking during a debate in the Lok Sabha on the proposed legislation, Gogoi also challenged Union law minister Kiren Rijiju’s claim that the UPA government had “transferred 123 properties to the Delhi Waqf Board” before the 2014 general elections.
Demanding evidence, he accused Rijiju of misleading the House. “Whatever he spoke about the UPA government with reference to 2013 is a complete lie. We demand Rijiju to authenticate his claims. He levelled accusations and misled repeatedly,” Gogoi asserted, also criticising Speaker Om Birla for not intervening. “He misled the House with political accusations,” the Congress MP, who is also the deputy leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, alleged.
The Speaker intervened and rejected Gogoi’s complaint. “How could you accuse the House of not objecting to the Union minister? I already gave the ruling of not allowing points of order during the discussions, and it is final,” Birla said.
Rijiju countered by challenging Gogoi to specify exactly which part of his statement was misleading. “Do not make any blanket accusations and refer to the specific point,” he said. In response, Gogoi reiterated his objection, referencing Rijiju’s statement about the UPA government’s role in the 2013 Waqf-related decision.
Summary: Gaurav Gogoi spearheads the Opposition’s challenge in the Lok Sabha Waqf debate, questioning the government’s stance and demanding transparency on key issues.