A prominent Muslim organization in Kerala has questioned the Congress over Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's absence and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's decision not to participate in the debate on the Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha.
An editorial in Malayalam newspaper Suprabhaatham, controlled by the pro-IUML Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, termed the Bill as among the "biggest attacks on Muslims...after the Babri incident and asked why Priyanka did not turn up to Parliament during the discussion despite there being a party whip.
"The Waqf Bill is one of the biggest attacks on Muslims and the country’s secularism from Sangh Parivar after the Babri incident. Thanks to the Opposition leaders who fought valiantly against the bill in the Parliament event after midnight and voted against the bill. The performance of Congress and DMK members had been noteworthy," the editorial read.
"However, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, whom the country looks up to with great expectations, did not come to Parliament despite the party whip. That will remain as a blot. The question of where she was when the bill was debated will remain forever. Also, why Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi did not speak on the bill, which shatters the unity of the country, will remain," the editorial read.
The Waqf Amendment Bill was cleared by the Lok Sabha early Thursday while the Rajya Sabha cleared it last night.
Priyanka's absence raised eyebrows with questions being raised on her party's position on the matter and even party discipline. Reports citing Congress sources have suggested that Priyanka is currently abroad in the US for the medical treatment of a close relative who has been diagnosed with cancer. Gandhi had reportedly obtained approval for her travel in advance, formally informing the Speaker and the Congress Parliamentary Party.
Rahul Gandhi, who was present during the debate in Lok Sabha, restricted his participation to minor interventions in unrelated matters and comments on social media handle on X, drawing criticism from several quarters.
Besides Malayalam daily Suprabhaatham raising questions on Gandhi's limited participation in the debate, the Congress leader also came in for severe flak on social media for turning up to Parliament just ahead of the meeting in cargos and chappals.
"He was absent for the entire debate since morning and now he as come to the Parliament only to vote - forget LoP, he is not even fit to be a MP," an X user said.
Another account posted that India needs leaders with grit and not "a dynast stumbling through speeches". "Rahul Gandhi’s lazy, entitled demeanor and constant gaffes prove he’s a political liability. India needs leaders with grit, not a dynast stumbling through speeches," said the X user.
While Rahul did not speak during the debate on the Bill, and is alleged to have skipped most of it, he did voice his opinion on the Waqf Amendment Bill, terming it a weapon aimed at marginalizing Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights.
"This attack on the Constitution by the RSS, BJP and their allies is aimed at Muslims today but sets a precedent to target other communities in the future. The Congress party strongly opposes this legislation as it attacks the very idea of India and violates Article 25, the Right to Freedom of Religion," he said in a post on X.
Notably, Rahul had earlier claimed that he is not given enough time to speak in Parliament. Observers noted that even independent MPs participated in the debate, while Congress’ senior leaders remained silent. Others accused the party of not engaging effectively in crucial legislative discussions.
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