TITLE TAG: TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee Challenges ISF MLA’s Claims on Waqf Bill
META DESCRIPTION: TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee refutes ISF MLA Naudhad Siddiqui’s claims about his absence during Waqf Bill voting, threatening legal action.
URL SLUG: tmc-abhishek-banerjee-isf-mla-waqf-bill
H1: TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee Responds to ISF MLA’s Allegations on Waqf Bill Voting
In a recent political clash, Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee has vehemently criticized Indian Secular Front (ISF) MLA Naudhad Siddiqui for asserting that Banerjee and other TMC legislators were absent during discussions and voting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament earlier this week. Banerjee labeled Siddiqui’s statement as “false” and demanded a retraction, warning of “strictest” legal consequences if the claim is not withdrawn within 48 hours.
The Waqf Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha with a vote of 128-95, and in the Lok Sabha, it garnered 288 votes in favor, with 232 against it. In a notice served to Siddiqui, Sanjay Basu, Banerjee’s legal counsel, expressed outrage over the MLA’s comments, stating, “It is preposterous to note that you have chosen to spread lies and make false and misleading statements against my client to mislead the fellow Muslim population and the people of West Bengal.”
Siddiqui, the only ISF MLA in the West Bengal Assembly, had previously claimed in an interview with a local Bengali news portal that many TMC MPs, including Banerjee, did not participate in the Waqf Bill debate. He questioned the TMC’s actions regarding the attendance of its MPs during the voting process.
Basu countered Siddiqui’s assertions, confirming that Banerjee was indeed present in the Lok Sabha during the voting for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and voted against its passage. He included photographic evidence of Banerjee’s presence in Parliament on April 3, 2025, emphasizing that Banerjee stands in solidarity with the Muslim community during this critical time.
Basu’s notice concluded with a demand for Siddiqui to retract his statements and issue a clarification within the specified timeframe, warning that failure to comply would compel Banerjee to pursue legal action.
INTERNAL LINK SUGGESTION: Explore more on the implications of the Waqf Bill in West Bengal.
IMAGE CAPTION SUGGESTION: Abhishek Banerjee addresses the Parliament during the Waqf Bill voting.
FAQ:
Q: What was the outcome of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill voting in Parliament?
A: The Waqf Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with a vote of 128-95 and in the Lok Sabha with 288 votes in favor and 232 against.