Union Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday responded to the Congress party’s sharp criticism over the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill, asserting that the legislative process followed was transparent and thorough.

The Congress, during its parliamentary party meeting, alleged that the Bill was "forcefully passed" and the government had "bulldozed procedures" to push it through. Addressing these concerns, Rijiju refuted the claims and defended the government’s handling of the Bill.

“Sonia Gandhi is a senior leader; I don't want to comment on her. Yesterday, during the parliamentary party meeting of Congress, a statement was released that the Bill (the Waqf Amendment Act) was passed forcefully and bulldozing (the procedures). I just clarified and told the amount of effort that has been put into that... We created a record of the discussion. There has never been this much discussion in the parliamentary history,” Rijiju said, highlighting the extensive debate that preceded the Bill's passage.

The Waqf Amendment Bill has become a flashpoint in Parliament, with opposition parties questioning its intent and process. However, Rijiju maintained that the government ensured comprehensive deliberation before it was brought to a vote.

His remarks come at a time when parliamentary proceedings have witnessed heightened tensions, with the Opposition frequently accusing the government of stifling debate and bypassing due process.

Rijiju’s assertion that a "record of the discussion" was created indicates the government’s effort to preempt criticism and emphasize procedural propriety. The statement also underscores the administration’s stance that legislative transparency was upheld, contrary to opposition claims.

The Waqf Amendment Bill, which aims to make key changes to the governance of Waqf properties in India, has triggered political sparring, especially on the procedural aspects surrounding its passage.