Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has sharply criticised Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for not addressing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill during an extended debate in Parliament on Saturday. Mayawati, in a post on X, questioned the justification for Rahul Gandhi's silence, especially when the opposition has vocally denounced the Bill, calling it a violation of the Constitution akin to the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Mayawati stated, "It is natural for Muslims to feel considerably angry and for INDIA bloc partners to be agitated on the issue. Despite this, is Rahul Gandhi’s decision to remain silent on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the House justified, even though there was an extensive debate?"

The BSP leader also slammed both Congress and BJP for neglecting the welfare of Dalits, accusing them of rendering reservation rights ineffective and redundant. "The Congress and the BJP are equally guilty of depriving the Dalits of welfare, government jobs, and education," she said.

She further criticised the parties for deceiving religious minorities and emphasized the need for these groups to recognize the harm caused by their tactics. Mayawati also raised concerns about the privatisation of power and other sectors, urging the government to take constitutional responsibility seriously for the welfare of the people.

Earlier, Mayawati had called on the Centre to reconsider the provisions of the new Waqf law and temporarily suspend it, highlighting her concerns about the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board, which she said was troubling.