Where was Priyanka Gandhi? Congress clarifies MP’s absence amid flak for skipping Waqf Bill debate
New Delhi: Priyanka Gandhi, Congress MP from Wayanad, was absent from the Lok Sabha debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, raising questions about her position and party discipline.
Despite the bill being a key legislative matter, she did not attend the session. Reports indicate that Priyanka is abroad for the medical treatment of a close relative. Gandhi had reportedly obtained approval for her travel in advance, formally informing the Speaker in writing and conveying the matter to the Congress Parliamentary Party.
Dear Chamchas
When serious discussion on Waqf is going on in Lok Sabha, the persons below were missing:
✓ Rahul Gandhi
✓ Priyanka Gandhi
Feeling Sad for the Flag bearers of Fake Gandhy family , who leaves their cadres disappointed 😞PS: if anyone has the pic, pls post pic.twitter.com/pmbEK36TU1
— Anil_Jacob_IV🇮🇳 (@follow_amj) April 2, 2025
Reports indicate that Priyanka Gandhi is currently abroad for the medical treatment of a close relative. She had obtained prior approval for her travel, formally informing the Speaker in writing and notifying the Congress Parliamentary Party.
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 has drawn scrutiny over adherence to party directives. In response, the Congress Parliamentary Committee clarified that her absence does not violate the party whip.
Rahul Gandhi, who was also missing at the start of the debate, arrived later but, according to critics, did not actively participate. However, he took to social media to criticise the bill, calling it a “weapon to marginalise Muslims.”
Rahul Gandhi
Priyanka Gandhi
Sonia Gandhi
All missing from the Discussion on Waqf in Lok Sabha.
This is how seriously they take Indian Democracy. #WaqfBill #WaqfBoard #WaqfBill2025 #WaqfBoardBill #WaqfAmendmentBill pic.twitter.com/natU9WYyXQ— justmythoughts😌 (@aspiring_fella) April 2, 2025
Where was Priyanka Gandhi?: Social media reactions
The absence of Priyanka Gandhi , triggered criticism on social media. Many questioned why they stayed away despite the party’s vocal opposition to the bill outside Parliament. Some critics accused Congress of failing to take a decisive stand when it mattered.
Rahul Gandhi’s passiveness also drew attention, as he has previously claimed he is not given enough time to speak in Parliament. Observers noted that even independent MPs participated in the debate, while Congress’ senior leaders remained silent. Others accused the party of not engaging effectively in crucial legislative discussions.
