New Delhi, April 16 -- Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has expressed surprise over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, not taking part in the marathon debate on the Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha during the budget session of Parliament, suggesting it could be a result of considerable pressure from the Christian community.

Waqf (Amendment) Bill,2025, was passed by Parliament during the budget session of Parliament and was later given assent by President Droupadi Murmu. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha sat past midnight to pass the bill.

Rijiju, who replied to the debate in the two Houses, told ANI in an interview that Rahul Gandhi apparently wanted "to play safe game" by not taking part in the ...