NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday strongly criticised Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi over her comments regarding the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill, stating that her remarks were “unfortunate” and undermined parliamentary democracy.
Without directly naming Sonia Gandhi, Birla noted that the Bill underwent thorough parliamentary procedure, with discussions lasting 13 hours and 53 minutes and involving 61 members from various parties. The Bill also went through three divisions (votes) before its passage.
“The parliamentary affairs minister informed that a senior Congress leader who has been a member of this House and is presently a member of the other House gave a statement in the premises of the other House that the Waqf Amendment Bill was forcibly passed by the House. On this Bill, the House held discussions for 13 hours and 53 minutes, in which 61 members from various parties presented their views,” the Lok Sabha Speaker said.
“It is extremely unfortunate that despite such an extensive discussion and proper passage according to rules, a senior leader has questioned the House’s procedure. This is neither appropriate nor in accordance with the dignity of parliamentary democracy,” he added.
The Speaker’s response came after Sonia Gandhi alleged that the Bill was “bulldozed through” in Lok Sabha.
“The bill is a brazen assault on the Constitution itself. It is part of the BJP’s deliberate strategy to keep our society in a state of permanent polarisation,” Sonia had said while addressing party MPs at the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) General Body meeting.
Sonia Gandhi further accused the government of “systematically undermining democratic values” and attempting to “make India a surveillance state.”
The Waqf Amendment Bill, which sparked considerable debate between the government and opposition, was ultimately passed by both Houses of Parliament after extended sessions.
The Budget session, which began on January 31, has concluded with the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha being adjourned sine die.