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Om Birla chastises Congress veteran Sonia Gandhi maafi maango: Treasury benches protest statements on Center, Waqf Bill

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The Lok Sabha witnessed heated exchanges on Wednesday as treasury benches demanded an apology from Congress leader Sonia Gandhi for her remarks on the government's handling of the Waqf Board and minority rights. The uproar led to Speaker Om Birla reprimanding the Congress veteran, underscoring the deepening political rift between the ruling BJP and the opposition over issues of secularism and governance.  

The Controversial Remarks

The controversy erupted after Sonia Gandhi, during a debate on the Waqf Amendment Bill, accused the central government of "systematically undermining the rights of minorities" and "targeting Waqf properties for political gains." Her comments drew sharp reactions from BJP MPs, who shouted "Sonia Gandhi maafi maango (Sonia Gandhi, apologize)" and accused her of spreading misinformation.  

The Waqf Bill, aimed at increasing transparency in the administration of Waqf properties, has been a contentious issue, with the opposition alleging that it could lead to government interference in Muslim endowments. The BJP, however, argues that the reforms will prevent corruption and ensure better utilization of Waqf assets for community welfare.  

Treasury Benches’ Outrage and Speaker’s Intervention
  
As Sonia Gandhi continued her speech, BJP MPs, including some Union ministers, interrupted her, calling her remarks "divisive" and "unparliamentary." The situation escalated to the point where Speaker Om Birla had to intervene, urging calm and reminding members to maintain decorum. Birla also indirectly chided Gandhi, stating that "senior members should avoid making provocative statements that disrupt proceedings."  

The Speaker’s remarks were seen as a rare admonishment of a senior opposition leader, further fueling the Congress’s allegations of bias in the chair. Congress MPs protested, claiming that the treasury benches were being allowed to heckle opposition members without consequences.  

Political Undertones
  
The confrontation reflects the broader political battle between the BJP and Congress over minority rights and secularism. The BJP has consistently accused the Congress of practicing "appeasement politics," while the opposition alleges that the ruling party is eroding constitutional safeguards for minorities.  

Sonia Gandhi’s comments on the Waqf Bill are part of the Congress’s strategy to position itself as the defender of Muslim rights ahead of upcoming elections. However, the BJP’s aggressive counterattack suggests that the government will not let such allegations go unchallenged, framing them as attempts to create communal disharmony.  


Implications for Parliamentary Functioning
  
The incident highlights the deteriorating atmosphere in Parliament, where debates often descend into shouting matches rather than constructive discussions. With both sides unwilling to back down, crucial legislative work, including the passage of the Waqf Bill, could face delays.  

Moreover, Speaker Om Birla’s handling of the situation has drawn criticism from opposition ranks, who argue that he fails to maintain neutrality. The BJP, however, maintains that the Speaker was justified in calling out unparliamentary conduct.  

Conclusion

The "Sonia Gandhi maafi maango" episode underscores the highly polarized nature of Indian politics today. As the BJP and Congress clash over issues of minority rights and governance, Parliament risks becoming a battleground rather than a forum for debate. The Waqf Bill controversy is not just about administrative reforms—it is a proxy war over India’s secular identity.  

With elections looming, such confrontations are likely to intensify, testing both the patience of the Speaker and the maturity of India’s political leadership. Whether the two sides can move beyond rhetoric and engage in meaningful dialogue remains to be seen. For now, the Lok Sabha’s proceedings continue to be marred by acrimony and theatrics.

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