The Budget Session of Parliament came to a close on Friday as both Houses were adjourned sine die following intense protests over critical remarks by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi about the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The remarks sparked uproar from the treasury benches, with BJP MPs demanding an apology from Gandhi for saying the bill was “bulldozed” through Parliament.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla spoke to Lok Sabha after its resumption at noon, labeling the comments as “most unfortunate” and “against the dignity of parliamentary democracy.” Birla did not mention Sonia Gandhi by name but reacted after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asked his ruling on the issue.
Speaker Om Birla Condemns Remarks, Cites Protracted Debate on Waqf Bill
Referring to the House, Om Birla pointed out that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill had seen detailed deliberation. “There was division thrice on the bill and it was passes as per the rules of the House. That is why it is highly unfortunate that despite the House sitting till late night and passing the bill after a long debate, a senior member is casting aspersions on the House proceedings which is not appropriate,” he stated.
He again asserted that Parliament had discussed the bill for 13 hours and 53 minutes, with cuts across several parties, denying reports of procedural rushes.
Sonia Gandhi’s Statement Provokes Demonstrations
Controversy had started after Sonia Gandhi, addressing the Congress Parliamentary Party in Samvidhan Sadan on Thursday, condemned the way the bill was passed. “Yesterday, the Wakf Amendment Bill, 2024 was passed in the Lok Sabha and today it is scheduled to come up in the Rajya Sabha. The bill was in effect bulldozed through. Our party’s position is clear. The Bill is a brazen assault on the Constitution itself. It is very much part of the BJP’s deliberate strategy to keep our society in a state of permanent polarisation,” she said.
After her remarks, BJP MPs chanted slogans of “Sonia Gandhi Maafi Maango” in Parliament, calling for a public apology.
Despite the commotion, both Houses approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The Rajya Sabha cleared it early on Friday morning with 128 votes and 95 against, after rejecting all opposition-suggested amendments. The Lok Sabha had approved the bill on Thursday with 288 MPs voting for it and 232 against.
PM Modi: “A Historic Step Towards Inclusive Growth”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the bill passing and characterized it as a groundbreaking step. “The Waqf (Amendment) Bill and Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill passage in both Houses of Parliament is a landmark moment in our common quest for socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth,” he added.
“These legislations will specifically benefit those who have long lingered on the periphery, thereby being deprived of both voice and opportunity,” PM Modi further added.
He thanked all parliamentarians and members of committees who took part in the debate. “Appreciation to all Members of Parliament who have taken part in the Parliamentary and Committee debates, shared their opinions and helped build these legislations. A particular thanks also goes to the many people who have submitted their valuable suggestions to the Parliamentary committee. Again, the significance of widespread debate and discussion has been proved,” he added.
PM Emphasises Transparency and Welfare for Marginalised
The Prime Minister also emphasized the shortcomings of the current Waqf system. “For years, the Waqf system was equated with a lack of transparency and accountability. It particularly victimised Muslim women, needy Muslims, and Pasmanda Muslims. The legislations enacted by Parliament will enhance transparency and also protect people’s rights,” he added.
He signed off with a social justice and national unity message, “We will now begin an era wherein the framework would be more modern and sensitive towards social justice. On a grander scale, we continue to be committed to upholding the dignity of each citizen. That is also how we construct a more robust, more inclusive and more empathetic India.”