Kiren Rijiju Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Silence on Waqf Bill Debate

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju recently questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s silence during the crucial debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha. As the Leader of the Opposition, Gandhi neither participated in the debate nor made any remarks on the issue, a move that Rijiju believes was a calculated political decision rather than mere absence.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju | NDTV

Rijiju’s Theory Behind Gandhi’s Silence

Speaking to ANI, Rijiju suggested that Rahul Gandhi’s silence might have been influenced by political considerations and pressure from Christian organisations. He speculated that Gandhi chose to “play it safe” as the Waqf Bill involved religious sensitivities and had potential implications for both Muslim and Christian communities. According to Rijiju, Gandhi’s avoidance reflected “strategic silence” to maintain political balance and prevent alienating sections of his support base.

Rijiju noted that Gandhi did not engage in the debate even though the session saw passionate discussions from both sides. He also expressed surprise that Gandhi arrived late during the voting process, calling it “unusual for a leader of opposition during such a significant legislative moment.”

Context: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, passed during the 2024 Budget Session, introduced several changes aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties. The Bill sought to modernize the functioning of Waqf Boards, enhance record-keeping, and introduce digital systems to prevent illegal encroachments or misuse of Waqf assets.

However, the opposition, including the Congress and several regional parties, criticized the Bill as an attempt to interfere in the internal management of religious properties. They argued that the amendments could give the government excessive control over Waqf assets, undermining the autonomy of Muslim religious institutions.

Government’s Stand and Religious Endorsements

Rijiju, defending the government’s move, stated that the amendments were based on long-standing recommendations from committees formed under previous Congress governments, including the 1976 Waqf Inquiry Committee and the Sachar Committee. These reports had highlighted rampant mismanagement and lack of transparency within Waqf institutions, suggesting reforms to protect community interests.

He further mentioned that religious groups like the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) supported the Bill, viewing it as a step toward fairness and justice in cases involving disputed land ownership. Rijiju cited an example from Kerala, where hundreds of Christian families were contesting Waqf Board claims over their land — a situation the new amendments aimed to clarify legally.

Broader Reactions and Political Implications

The passage of the Bill was met with sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who accused the government of undermining minority rights. Yet, several independent experts argued that the legislation was necessary to bring long-awaited reforms and transparency to a system often marred by corruption and political interference.

Political analysts noted that Gandhi’s silence may have been a strategic move to avoid alienating either community ahead of upcoming state elections. With both Hindu and minority votes playing critical roles, maintaining neutrality on sensitive religious issues may have seemed politically prudent for the Congress leadership.

The MGMM Outlook

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s remarks on Rahul Gandhi’s silence during the Waqf (Amendment) Bill debate have once again raised questions about the Congress leader’s political motives. As the Leader of the Opposition, Gandhi’s decision to avoid commenting on such a sensitive issue reflects a deliberate political calculation rather than disengagement. Rijiju suggested that Gandhi may have been under pressure from Christian organizations, given that the Bill addresses issues affecting both Muslim and Christian communities. The government’s push for transparency and modernization of Waqf properties was a response to decades-old recommendations from even Congress-era committees, yet Gandhi chose silence instead of leadership during a critical legislative discussion.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, marks a crucial step toward reforming a system long plagued by mismanagement and encroachments. Interestingly, even Christian institutions like the CBCI and KCBC welcomed it as a move toward fairness, especially in cases of land disputes involving Waqf Boards. While opposition parties have accused the government of infringing on minority rights, the broader perspective shows the Bill’s intent to ensure justice and accountability. Rahul Gandhi’s silence, in this context, appears as a political safeguard rather than a moral stance — reflecting the Congress party’s dilemma in balancing faith-based politics and reform-driven governance.

(Sources: NDTV, Hindustan Times, Times of India)