Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi launched a fierce counterattack on Wednesday after Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju tabled the Waqf Amendment Bill, accusing the BJP-led government of attempting to “defame (and) disenfranchise minorities” while staging a “4D assault on the Constitution.”
Gogoi specifically questioned the controversial provision stating that donations to Waqf properties can only be made by Muslims who have practiced their faith for at least five years. He criticized the government for allegedly issuing “religious certificates” and interfering in personal faith matters.
This 4 min video of Congress deputy leader in Loksabha, Gaurav Gogoi Ji is a must watch..!
“You are trying to put stain in that community which fought for our freedom, boycotted Jinnah’s 2-nation theory while you were writing apology to British”
Burns to BJP supporters.. pic.twitter.com/VpJJ2SwRjA
— Shantanu (@shaandelhite) April 2, 2025
“Today, the condition of minorities has become such that the government will now give a ‘certificate’ of their religion. Will they ask for certificates from other religions as well? Why is this being asked of Muslims? Why is the government interfering in religion?” Gogoi remarked during the heated debate.
“4D Assault on Constitution”: Gogoi’s Sharp Criticism
In a scathing rebuke, Gogoi accused the government of making misleading statements regarding the bill and alleged that it was a targeted attack against minority communities. He outlined a “4D” strategy that he believes the BJP is using dilute the Constitution, defame minorities, disenfranchise them and divide Indian society.
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He also pointed out that the Minority Affairs Ministry did not discuss the bill in any of its four parliamentary committee meetings in 2023, questioning the sudden urgency in pushing the amendments through.
Opposition Alleges Bias in Parliamentary Committee
Gogoi further criticized the handling of the bill by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), accusing the ruling BJP of ignoring opposition voices. The committee, led by a BJP MP, allegedly rejected 44 out of 66 proposed changes from opposition members while approving all 23 recommendations from the BJP and its allies.
The Waqf Amendment Bill was first introduced in Lok Sabha in August 2024, drawing sharp protests from the opposition, which labeled it as “draconian.” It was then referred to the JPC, which filed its final report in February 2025 amid further opposition uproar.
Key Amendments in the Waqf Bill:
– Inclusion of non-Muslim members in the Waqf boards.
– Requirement that only Muslims practicing their faith for at least five years can make donations.
– Removal of government property identified as Waqf land, with the Collector determining ownership.
– Nomination of at least two women members to each Waqf board.
– Inclusion of a Union Minister, three MPs, and other individuals of “national repute” in Waqf boards.
The removal of an annexure containing dissent notes from opposition members triggered yet another controversy, with the government stating that the JPC Chair had the discretion to exclude them. Following negotiations, the Centre agreed to reinstate the notes.
BJP Defends Waqf Bill, Claims Opposition’s Protest is Political
Defending the bill, BJP panel member and Lok Sabha MP Aparajita Sarangi dismissed the opposition’s claims, stating that the JPC had “given sufficient time for all members to move amendments.” She argued that the bill aims to streamline Waqf management and ensure greater transparency.
The government maintains that the amendments will improve the functioning of Waqf properties and prevent misuse, while opposition leaders and minority organizations claim the bill unfairly targets the Muslim community.
Political Showdown in Parliament
With the BJP and its allies commanding a majority in the Lok Sabha, the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill appears likely. However, opposition parties, including the Congress, have vowed to continue their protests, raising concerns about minority rights and constitutional integrity.
The bill will now move to the Rajya Sabha, where another intense debate is expected in the coming days. As political tensions escalate, all eyes remain on the fate of the Waqf Amendment Bill and its implications for India’s minority communities.
