Congress Gears Up for Showdown Over Waqf Bill as Sonia Gandhi Takes Charge
The Congress party has summoned its top leaders for a critical meeting on Thursday, with Sonia Gandhi set to chair the session, as tensions escalate over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The meeting follows the government’s move to table the controversial legislation in the Lok Sabha earlier today, igniting a fierce political battle that has divided the House.
In a sign of the stakes involved, the Congress has issued a three-line whip, mandating the presence of all its Lok Sabha MPs from April 2 to April 4. This rare directive reflects the party’s determination to mount a robust challenge to the bill, which has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and community leaders alike.
The Waqf Bill: Reform or Overreach?
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who introduced the bill, sought to downplay its religious implications, asserting that it is solely about property management. “This legislation has nothing to do with religion; it deals only with properties,” Rijiju told the Lok Sabha. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to overhaul the administration of Waqf properties—assets dedicated under Islamic law for religious and charitable purposes. Key provisions include improving transparency, resolving administrative complexities, and introducing technology-driven systems to modernize management.
Yet, the bill has met with fierce resistance. Critics, including opposition parties and Muslim organizations, have branded it unconstitutional and an assault on the interests of the Muslim community. They argue that the proposed changes undermine the autonomy of Waqf boards and could pave the way for government overreach into religious affairs.
Opposition Outcry and Congress Protest
The INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties including the Congress, has accused the BJP-led government of rushing the bill through Parliament without adequate debate. The Congress escalated its protest by staging a walkout during a recent Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting, decrying the limited time allocated for discussion. “This is a blatant attempt to suppress dissent and ram through a flawed law,” a Congress spokesperson said.
Opposition leaders have demanded that the bill be sent to a parliamentary standing committee for detailed review, a request the government has so far brushed aside. The INDIA bloc contends that the legislation’s implications are too significant to be decided hastily, especially given its potential to affect millions of Waqf properties across the country.
BJP’s Majority Advantage
Despite the opposition’s uproar, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) appears poised to push the bill through the Lok Sabha, where it commands a clear majority. Government sources exude confidence, arguing that the reforms are long overdue to address mismanagement and legal disputes plaguing Waqf properties. “This is about bringing accountability and efficiency to a broken system,” a BJP leader remarked.
However, the bill’s journey may face hurdles in the Rajya Sabha, where the NDA lacks a similar numerical edge. The government may need to rely on support from regional parties to secure its passage in the upper house, adding an element of uncertainty to the legislative process.
Sonia Gandhi’s Leadership and Congress’s Next Move
Thursday’s meeting, under Sonia Gandhi’s stewardship, is expected to be a defining moment for the Congress. Party insiders say the session will focus on crafting a cohesive strategy to counter the bill, both inside and outside Parliament. The Congress aims to rally its MPs and coordinate with INDIA bloc allies to amplify its opposition, potentially exploring legal challenges or public campaigns to pressure the government.
The party has framed the Waqf bill as part of a broader pattern of BJP policies targeting minorities, a narrative it hopes will resonate with voters. “This is not just about Waqf properties; it’s about safeguarding the rights of an entire community,” a senior Congress MP said.
A Polarized Parliament
As the Lok Sabha gears up for a vote on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the political fault lines are starkly visible. The Congress, bolstered by Sonia Gandhi’s leadership, is digging in for a fight, while the BJP-led NDA leans on its majority to advance its agenda. The outcome of this clash will reverberate beyond Parliament, shaping perceptions of governance, minority rights, and opposition unity in the months ahead.
For now, Thursday’s meeting looms large as the Congress prepares to take on a formidable adversary in what promises to be a bruising legislative battle.
