Wed Apr 02 09:54:31 UTC 2025: ## Lok Sabha Sees Heated Exchange Between Amit Shah and Akhilesh Yadav During Waqf Bill Debate
**New Delhi:** The Lok Sabha today witnessed a sharp exchange between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav during a debate on the Waqf Amendment Bill. The verbal sparring highlighted the political divisions surrounding the legislation and broader criticisms of the BJP.
Yadav initiated the exchange, criticizing the BJP’s delay in electing a new party president, suggesting internal strife within the party. He further alleged that the Waqf Amendment Bill was a distraction from the government’s failures on issues like demonetization, unemployment, and inflation, and aimed to further marginalize the Muslim community. He also questioned the government’s response to missing persons at the Kumbh Mela, demanding a list of those missing or deceased. Yadav concluded his arguments by expressing concern that the bill could facilitate the transfer of Waqf properties to non-Waqf entities.
Shah responded by highlighting the complexities of electing a president from the BJP’s vast membership base, contrasting it with the familial nature of leadership selection in other opposition parties. He countered Yadav’s points with humor, predicting Yadav would remain Samajwadi Party president for many years to come. He also playfully referenced Yadav’s recent party yatra, suggesting it was meant to extend the age limit for BJP leaders.
The debate, which is expected to continue, has seen strong opposition from the Congress and other opposition parties who argue that the government is pushing through the bill without adequately considering their suggestions made during the Joint Parliamentary Committee review. The ruling BJP, however, is expected to secure passage of the bill given its substantial majority in the Lok Sabha. The Waqf Amendment Bill aims to improve the management of Waqf properties in India.
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