After opposition and Muslim groups criticised Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for her absence during the voting process in Lok Sabha for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sources told Timeline that the Congress leader is undergoing some health issues and hence, could not make it to the Lower House.

The Congress had issued a whip requiring all its Lok Sabha MPs to be present for three consecutive days to oppose the bill. However, Gandhi’s absence had raised eyebrows and drew scrutiny over adherence to party directives. Observing Gandhi’s absence, some critics accused Congress of failing to take a decisive stand when it mattered.

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However, Timeline has learnt from sources that Gandhi had to skip the session due to undisclosed health matters.

In a session extending over 12 hours, the Lok Sabha approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with 288 votes in favour and 232 against on April 2.

Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who introduced the bill, asserted that the legislation does not interfere with Muslim religious practices but focuses solely on the management of Waqf properties. He emphasised the government’s intention to make Waqf Boards more inclusive and secular.

Criticising the bill, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi described it as a tool aimed at marginalising Muslims and infringing upon their personal laws and property rights. He stated, “The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a weapon aimed at marginalising Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights.”

Gandhi, who was missing in the beginning of the debate but arrived later, further contended that the legislation sets a precedent that could potentially target other communities in the future.

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Intense debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 is ongoing in the Rajya Sabha. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju tabled the Bill in the Upper House, urging the Congress party and Opposition MPs to provide their support.

Meanwhile, opposition MPs questioned the timing and the intent of the Bill.