Gandhis 'abandoned' Muslims in Waqf Bill debate: Amit Malviya slams Rahul, Priyanka's absence

IANS April 5, 2025 338 views

The Gandhis have been called out by BJP's Amit Malviya for their conspicuous absence during the Waqf Bill debate in Parliament. Despite Rahul Gandhi's critical tweet, he and Priyanka Gandhi did not participate in the crucial discussion, raising questions about their commitment to Muslim interests. The BJP has seized this opportunity to challenge the Congress party's political narrative of advocating for minorities. Malviya's sharp criticism suggests the Gandhis are using the Muslim community as a political convenience rather than genuinely championing their causes.

"When it mattered, the Gandhis and the Congress abandoned the Muslims" - Amit Malviya
Gandhis 'abandoned' Muslims in Waqf Bill debate: Amit Malviya slams Rahul, Priyanka's absence
New Delhi, April 5: The absence of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during the heated debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha drew criticism from the BJP, which accused them of neglecting the Muslim community that they often claim to 'advocate for'.

Key Points

1

BJP slams Gandhi siblings for absence during Waqf Bill discussion

2

Amit Malviya accuses Congress of using Muslims politically

3

Rahul Gandhi tweets criticism but skips parliamentary debate

BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya took to X to slam them for their absence during the discussion on this crucial Bill.

He wrote, "The Muslim community must wake up to the reality that, for the Congress and the Gandhi family, they are nothing more than convenience. Despite a Congress whip, Priyanka Vadra was missing from Parliament on the day the Waqf Amendments were tabled in the Lok Sabha. And Rahul Gandhi--the Leader of the Opposition and self-styled messiah of Muslims--had all the time, yet chose not to speak on the Bill. Let this be recorded for posterity: when it mattered, the Gandhis and the Congress abandoned the Muslims, people they claim to represent."

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which aims to address issues related to the management of Waqf properties, was passed by both Houses - Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha--of Parliament this week. When it was being hotly debated, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, tweeted calling the Bill a "weapon" aimed at "marginalising Muslims." However, in a surprising move, Gandhi chose not to participate in the debate in Parliament, leading to widespread criticism.

Adding to the controversy, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congress General Secretary and Member of Lok Sabha from Wayanad, was also absent from the House despite a Congress whip. The absence of the Gandhi siblings during the debate on the Waqf Bill raised eyebrows.

The episode has fuelled further political debate, with critics accusing the Congress leadership of failing to show commitment to the causes they claim to champion. The BJP has seized upon the situation, questioning the Gandhis' sincerity in their supposed representation of Muslim interests.

Amit Malviya's remarks in X post in fact seek to highlight that "the Gandhis are not genuinely invested in the welfare of the Muslim community but are instead using them as a political tool when convenient".

By referring to the Muslim community as a "convenience" for the Congress, Malviya accuses the party of exploiting their support during elections or key political moments but abandoning them when critical decisions or actions are required, explain analysts. This absence, according to Malviya, is an indication that the Congress leadership is not genuinely committed to championing the causes they claim to represent.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is really disappointing. If you claim to represent a community, you should be present when it matters most. Actions speak louder than tweets!
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Sunita M.
I'm not surprised by BJP's reaction, but where were the Gandhis? 🤔 You can't just show up during elections and disappear when important bills are being discussed.
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Arjun P.
While I don't always agree with Malviya, he has a point here. The timing of Rahul Gandhi's tweet vs his absence in Parliament is questionable at best.
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Nisha T.
Maybe there were valid reasons for their absence? We shouldn't jump to conclusions without knowing the full story. The media should investigate properly.
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Imran S.
As a Muslim, I feel let down by all political parties. We deserve better representation than this political football game. 😞
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Priya R.
The Waqf Bill is complex and affects many people. Leaders should prioritize being present for such discussions regardless of party politics. This isn't a good look for Congress.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Amit Malviya Rahul Gandhi Priyanka Gandhi Waqf Bill Congress BJP Muslim Community
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