Waqf Heated Debate Turn Into Laughter When Akhilesh Yadav’s Dig On BJP Chief, Amit Shah’s Respond

A lively exchange unfolded in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday as Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav took a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over its delay in selecting a new national president during the Waqf (Amendment) Bill debate. Union Home Minister Amit Shah hit back with a sharp ‘dynast’ jibe, turning the moment into a blend of humor and political sparring.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill discussion took an unexpected turn when Akhilesh Yadav veered off-topic to comment on the BJP’s leadership process. His remark drew laughter from the opposition benches and even prompted a chuckle from Amit Shah, who was quick to respond with a witty counter.

Addressing the House, Akhilesh Yadav said, “The world’s largest party has not been able to pick its national president.” The statement was a subtle jab at the BJP, which has yet to announce a successor to its current president, a process that has been pending for some time.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded with a quip, highlighting the contrast between the BJP’s selection process and other parties. “All these parties have to choose their national president within 5 members. You won’t have any delay. I say it to you, you are the president for the next 25 years,” he said, taking a swipe at dynastic politics.

The exchange lightened the mood in an otherwise intense debate, with opposition MPs enjoying the banter. Amit Shah’s remark, implying that Akhilesh’s leadership in the SP is assured due to family ties, added a layer of political critique to the humor.

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The banter occurred during the eight-hour discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which has seen sharp divisions between the ruling NDA and the opposition. The bill, aimed at reforming waqf property management, remains a focal point of contention in Parliament.

The BJP has been deliberating its next national president, a decision that typically involves internal elections and consultations. Akhilesh’s comment alluded to this ongoing process, contrasting it with the SP’s leadership structure, where he succeeded his father, Mulayam Singh Yadav.