Congress Criticizes Government Over Waqf Bill, Calls It an Attempt to Discredit and Marginalize Minority Community

New Delhi, Apr 2 ,2025 – The Congress on Wednesday strongly criticized the government, stating that the introduction of the Waqf Amendment Bill aims to “undermine constitutional values, misrepresent the minority community, and create divisions in society.”

During the discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as reported by the Joint Committee, and The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused the government of sidelining minority voices.

“In 2023, the Minority Affairs Ministry held five meetings, yet the Waqf Amendment Bill was never discussed. I even question whether this Bill was introduced by the Minority Affairs Ministry or another department,” said Gogoi.

He claimed that minorities are now being asked to prove their religious identity. “Will similar proof be required from other religious communities? Why is the government interfering in religious affairs?” he asked.

Gogoi further alleged that the government is misleading people by falsely claiming that the existing law discriminates against women. “Provisions protecting widows and ensuring support for women already exist in the law,” he said.

He also criticized the reduction of revenue allocation from 7% to 5% and proposed increasing it to 11% to better support community initiatives.