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A key Muslim organization in Kerala has openly criticized the Congress party, particularly Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, over their limited roles during the Lok Sabha debate on the Waqf Amendment Bill.

The sharp remarks came in an editorial published by Suprabhaatham, a Malayalam daily affiliated with the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, which is closely linked to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a Congress ally in Kerala.

Editorial Terms Bill a Major Threat to Muslim Rights

The editorial described the Waqf Bill as one of the “biggest attacks on Muslims and secularism after the Babri incident.” While it praised several opposition leaders for their strong resistance during the late-night parliamentary debate, it took issue with Priyanka Gandhi’s absence and Rahul Gandhi’s limited participation.

“Where was Priyanka Gandhi when the Bill, affecting Muslim personal laws and properties, was being discussed? Her absence despite the party whip is concerning,” the editorial asked. It further questioned why Rahul Gandhi, despite being the Leader of the Opposition, chose not to speak on a bill the party described as unconstitutional.

Congress Clarifies Priyanka’s Absence, Faces Online Criticism

Reports suggest that Priyanka Gandhi is currently abroad, attending to a family member undergoing medical treatment for cancer in the United States. According to Congress sources, her travel plans were approved in advance, and formal intimation was submitted to the Lok Sabha Speaker and the party.

However, that did little to quell criticism. Rahul Gandhi, who was present in Parliament, did not participate in the debate and instead limited himself to social media posts, drawing backlash across platforms for perceived indifference.

On X (formerly Twitter), users criticized his attire and timing, with some calling him “unfit to be MP” and others accusing him of “stumbling through leadership.”

Rahul Gandhi’s Response to the Waqf Amendment Bill

Despite not speaking in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi posted his opposition online, calling the bill a “weapon aimed at marginalizing Muslims” and violating Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.

“This is an attack on the Constitution by RSS, BJP, and their allies. The Congress strongly opposes the Waqf Amendment Bill as it violates the very idea of India,” he said in a post.

Observers Question Congress Leadership on Key Issues

Political observers noted that while independent MPs took active roles in the debate, Congress senior leaders remained largely silent. This has intensified internal and external criticism of the party's strategy and leadership engagement on sensitive legislation impacting minority communities.

The absence of key Congress figures during a critical vote has raised concerns about the party’s commitment to defending minority rights and its preparedness for leading opposition efforts in Parliament.


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