Waqf Bill: A 12-Hour Debate, a Midnight Washroom Row, and Congress Left Red-Faced
New Delhi: The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the early hours of Thursday after an intense 12-hour debate that stretched past midnight. The final tally stood at 288 votes in favor and 232 against, sealing yet another politically charged moment in Parliament.
But beyond the numbers, the session saw heated exchanges, multiple voting divisions, and even a bizarre washroom controversy involving Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh—an issue that backfired spectacularly on the Congress.
High Drama Over Voting Rules and a ‘Washroom Exit’
The debate started at 12 PM on Wednesday but dragged on due to fierce opposition arguments and repeated voting demands. By midnight, the House had transitioned to clause-by-clause voting, when the real drama unfolded.
As Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh momentarily stepped out, Congress MP K C Venugopal raised a procedural objection, questioning how they were allowed to leave while voting was in progress. Congress MPs erupted in protest, claiming the “lobby” should remain sealed during voting.
However, the Treasury Benches quickly turned the tables on Congress. Just as they were demanding accountability, Congress MPs Gaurav Gogoi and Imran Masood were spotted returning from outside, sparking laughter across the House. Even Rahul Gandhi had to intervene, admitting that maintaining lobby discipline was the Speaker’s responsibility, not Congress’s.
Adding to the humor, Speaker Om Birla clarified that unlike in the old Parliament building, the new “lobby” extends to the washroom area to accommodate elderly and young MPs—a move that left the Congress scrambling for a counterargument.
Congress Cornered by Its Own Allies
The night didn’t get any better for the Congress. As the discussion shifted to minority welfare, the party faced unexpected criticism from its own INDIA bloc members.
- Hanuman Beniwal (RLP, Rajasthan) took a jibe at Congress, saying: “For 70 years, the Congress did nothing to improve Muslims’ condition. Now they are making speeches, but where were they before?” His remark triggered laughter, especially from Samajwadi Party MPs, who visibly enjoyed the Congress’s discomfort.
- Engineer Rashid (Independent MP, Kashmir), attending on parole due to UAPA charges, didn’t hold back either: “At least the BJP openly tells Muslims their place. The Congress, on the other hand, stabs them in the back while pretending to be secular.” His sharp attack drew desk thumps from BJP MPs, turning the tables even further.
Final Vote and Defeat of Opposition Amendments
As the final division of votes took place at 1:58 AM, the Bill was passed with 288 votes for and 232 against. The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, was also passed by a voice vote, sealing the session’s outcome.
Notably, multiple amendments proposed by Congress MPs Mohammed Jawed, Imran Masood, K C Venugopal, and Gaurav Gogoi—as well as those from Shiv Sena (UBT), TMC, and RSP—were defeated by voice vote.
Key Takeaways from the Waqf Bill Debate
- Congress’s attempt to corner Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh over voting rules backfired spectacularly.
- Opposition allies openly criticized Congress for failing Muslims, weakening their own stand against the Bill.
- The Speaker’s clarification on washroom access in the new Parliament building led to an embarrassing climbdown for Congress.
- The BJP successfully turned the debate into a showcase of opposition infighting, securing a smooth passage for the Bill.
Final Thoughts
While the Waqf Bill’s passage was inevitable, the session highlighted Congress’s internal struggles, BJP’s tactical dominance, and the ever-evolving political landscape in Parliament.
With the 2024 general elections looming, this episode serves as a lesson in political strategy—where even a simple washroom break can become a major political misstep.
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