Ashok Gehlot Criticizes Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, Calls It a Political Distraction
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has strongly criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, accusing the BJP-led central government of using it as a political distraction to shift focus from pressing national issues.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gehlot alleged that the government is repeatedly targeting the minority community through new laws to divert public attention from inflation, unemployment, stock market fluctuations, and the rupee’s devaluation.
“The Indian government repeatedly makes laws targeting the minority community to divert attention from important issues,” Gehlot posted.
He also drew parallels with the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), arguing that while it was enacted in 2020, its rules were framed only in 2024, implying a deliberate political strategy to rekindle tensions before elections.
Waqf Bill Sparks Heated Debate in Parliament
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 passed in Lok Sabha after a 12-hour debate and is set for a crucial Rajya Sabha test on Thursday.
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who introduced the Bill, defended it as a measure to improve the lives of poor Muslim families. However, the Opposition and treasury benches clashed repeatedly, with tensions escalating over:
- Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s claims on Waqf landholdings
- Allegations of divisive politics
- ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans reportedly raised after a Congress MP’s win in Karnataka
Home Minister Amit Shah intervened, accusing the opposition of spreading misinformation and rejecting claims that the BJP was using the Bill to polarize voters.
As the Bill heads for a heated Rajya Sabha debate, its passage is expected to further intensify political tensions. Stay tuned for more updates.
