Akhilesh Yadav Critiques BJP Leadership Amid Waqf Amendment Bill Debate
A verbal exchange in the Lok Sabha occurred between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Akhilesh Yadav regarding the BJP’s delay in electing a president, with Yadav critiquing the ruling party’s internal strife. Shah defended the process, while Yadav raised concerns over the Waqf Amendment Bill’s intentions and implications for Muslim communities. The ongoing debate highlights the legislative challenges and political dynamics in the current Indian government.
On the floor of the Lok Sabha, a spirited exchange took place between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav concerning the BJP’s delay in electing a new party president. During a debate on the Waqf Amendment Bill, Mr. Yadav criticized the BJP’s internal conflicts, suggesting that party leaders are competing to demonstrate who is the “worse Hindu.” He highlighted this by stating, “the party, which claims to be the world’s largest party, could not elect its national president.”
In response, Mr. Shah maintained a light-hearted tone, asserting, “Akhilesh ji said something with a smile. And I will respond with a smile.” He clarified the process involved in electing a party president among a vast membership, noting, “we must follow a process and choose a chief from 12-13 crore members. So it takes time,” which elicited enthusiasm from BJP members.
Mr. Shah delivered a playful remark aimed at Mr. Yadav, stating, “You won’t take time. I am telling you, you will be party president for 25 years. No one can change.” In reply, Mr. Yadav suggested that recent BJP initiatives appeared to hint at a prolonged incumbency, quipping about a recent yatra related to an age limit for senior leaders.
The Samajwadi Party chief expressed concern over the government’s motives behind the Waqf Amendment Bill, arguing it has been introduced to obscure government failures ranging from demonetization to rising unemployment. He questioned the government’s claims about increasing female representation in the Waqf board by challenging the number of women candidates the BJP would present in the upcoming Bihar elections.
Mr. Yadav also criticized the government’s focus on identifying Waqf land for Muslim communities, questioning its transparency. He stated, “They should tell us the names of 30 people who died there and about the 1,000 who went missing. Where is the list?” Moreover, he deemed that concerns regarding territorial integrity, such as the encroachment of foreign settlements, should take precedence over Waqf land discussions.
The debate surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill, which seeks to modernize the management of Waqf properties originally governed by a 1995 law, remains contentious. The ruling BJP holds a significant advantage in the Lok Sabha with 240 MPs, supported by allies, while opposition parties, including Congress, appear to have around 234 votes, leading to critiques of the government’s rapid legislative pace on this matter.
The exchange between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav in the Lok Sabha highlighted significant political tensions regarding the BJP’s leadership and the implications of the Waqf Amendment Bill. Mr. Yadav challenged the ruling party’s effectiveness and intentions, pointing toward potential issues of inclusivity and transparency. With the BJP maintaining a strong majority, the ongoing debate underscores the complexities of legislative governance and political representation in India.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
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