MANDI/Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Congress on Friday (April 4, 2025) staged a protest in Shimla to condemn the statement made by BJP MP from Hamirpur Anurag Thakur during a debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha.
The protest witnessed sloganeering against Anurag Thakur, with the Congress leaders terming his remarks as “defamatory and politically motivated”.
The Congress leaders demanded a public apology from Anurag Thakur for his comments targeting the party’s top leadership, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Anurag accused Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior leaders of encroaching upon Waqf properties.
Addressing party workers and the media, Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri defended Mallikarjun Kharge, calling him “a leader with an unblemished image”.
“The allegations levelled by Anurag Thakur are unfortunate and baseless. He must apologise immediately. Thakur seems to believe that by attacking the Congress leadership, he can secure a ministerial position under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Such political ambitions should not come at the cost of decency and truth,” Mukesh Agnihotri said.
Waqf Bill used to distract from key issues: Vikramaditya Singh
PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh alleged that the Waqf Bill was introduced in Parliament to divert public attention from critical economic issues.
“This is a deliberate attempt to shift focus from rising tariffs and other pressing concerns. The new legislation could negatively impact the apple industry in Himachal Pradesh, which is valued at over ₹5,000 crore,” warned Vikramaditya Singh.
Must maintain parliamentary decorum, says MLA Rathore
Congress MLA from Theog Kuldeep Rathore criticised Anurag Thakur’s tone and content in Parliament.
“Anurag Thakur is now playing the role of a historian, making unverified claims. He must answer why no BJP leader has made any real sacrifice for the nation? Instead of shouting in Parliament, he should focus on raising the real issues of Himachal Pradesh, such as farmers’ grievances and disaster relief,” Rathore stated.
Congress state president and former MP Pratibha Singh rejected Anurag Thakur’s statement saying, “His allegations are entirely fabricated and aimed at misleading both Parliament and the public. The BJP is attempting to deflect attention from burning issues like inflation and unemployment by targeting Congress leaders with false accusations. But the people of this country are not easily misled.”
Shimla-Urban MLA Harish Janartha and Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan were among senior Congress leaders present at the protest.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill-2025 has been passed by both Houses of Parliament. It is now pending the President’s assent, following which it will become law.
Munish Sood
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