"Waqf Bill was brought with divisive agenda": Supriya Shrinate

New Delhi [India], April 6 (ANI): Congress leader Supriya Shrinate on Friday criticized the central government, alleging that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which became law now, was introduced with a "divisive agenda" and appeared to target a particular community.
She further supported Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's stance on the Waqf Act, saying that his remarks were "100% true."
"What the LoP Rahul Gandhi has said is 100% true. The way this amendment Bill was brought with a divisive agenda, it seemed as if it was going against a particular community. The government is eyeing every minority community. The government is eyeing every minority community and now RSS is talking about the land of the Church. It is saying that Churches have 7 crores acres of land and that is the most non-government land. First, it was Muslims, then Christians, and then Sikhs... There is a flaw in their intentions, and that is why there is a problem. They do not bring anything that will benefit the people..," she added, accusing the government of pursuing policies that fail to benefit the public."
On Friday, Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi took to X and warned about the dangerous precedent of the Waqf Bill beyond its impacts on the Muslim community. The Lok Sabha LoP said that the RSS wasted no time in turning its attention to the Christians, referring to an article by "The Telegraph" on the Organizer's article.
Gandhi stated that the passage of the bill could set a precedent to target other minority communities in the future.
"I had said that the Waqf Bill attacks Muslims now but sets a precedent to target other communities in the future. It didn't take long for the RSS to turn its attention to Christians," Gandhi said.
He underscored the Constitution's role, adding, "The Constitution is the only shield that protects our people from such attacks--and it is our collective duty to defend it."
Parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 early on Friday after a marathon and heated debate.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill on Friday with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, while the Loka Sabha cleared the bill after a lengthy debate, with 288 members voting in favour and 232 opposing it.
The government introduced the revised bill after incorporating the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which examined the legislation introduced in August last year. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995 and improve the administration and management of Waqf properties in India.
The Bill aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records. (ANI)