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NEW DELHI: The Forward Bloc will hold a ‘Parliament March’ on April 11 to press the government for action on key national issues, including the declassification of files related to ‘Netaji’ Subhas Chandra Bose, controlling rising prices, and employment generation. Founded by Bose, the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) is organising the march under the ‘Dilli Chalo’ banner. It will culminate in a public meeting at Jantar Mantar where leaders of other Left parties, including the CPI(M), CPI, RSP and the CPI(ML) Liberation, are expected to speak in solidarity.
The Forward Bloc’s primary demand is the immediate declassification of all files related to Bose, the Indian National Army (INA), and the “Azad Hind Sarkar”, according to a statement.
“Despite decades of public interest and the sacrifices made by ‘Netaji’ and the INA, these files remain shrouded in secrecy. The people of India have a right to know the truth,” the party said in the statement.
Transparency will help resolve the mystery around Bose’s disappearance and honour the legacy of one of India’s most revered freedom fighters, it added.
Several reports have claimed that Bose had boarded a plane from the Taihoku airport in Taiwan in August 1945 that later crashed. There is, however, no confirmation that Bose died in the crash.
The Centre constituted several commissions over the years to shed light on the mystery but none could dispel the doubts surrounding his disappearance.
Raising concerns over the rising cost of living, the Forward Bloc said the continuous hike in prices of essential commodities such as food items and fuel was “crippling” working and middle classes.
“Immediate steps must be taken to stabilise prices and protect the basic needs of common citizens,” it said.
The Left party also called for urgent action to tackle the growing unemployment crisis, especially among youngsters.
It urged the government to adopt policies promoting skill development and create sustainable jobs for all, with a focus on empowering marginalised communities.
The Forward Bloc also highlighted its opposition to the privatisation of national assets. It criticised the ongoing sale of public sector undertakings and key national resources, warning that such moves undermined national sovereignty and weakened public services meant for the common good.
The Forward Bloc slammed what it called rising communal polarisation in the country.
“The government must take a firm stand against the politics of hatred and work towards strengthening the secular fabric of India,” it said.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday doubled down on the sweeping tariffs he unleashed on countries around the world, warning Americans of pain ahead, but promising historic investment and prosperity.

The comments came as Trump’s widest-ranging tariffs took effect in a move that could trigger retaliation and escalating trade tensions that could upset the global economy.

“We have been the dumb and helpless ‘whipping post,’ but not any longer. We are bringing back jobs and businesses like never before,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

“This is an economic revolution, and we will win,” he added. “Hang tough, it won’t be easy, but the end result will be historic.”

A 10 percent “baseline” tariff came into place just after midnight, hitting most US imports except goods from Mexico and Canada as Trump invoked emergency economic powers to address perceived problems with the country’s trade deficits.

The trade gaps, said the White House, were driven by an “absence of reciprocity” in relationships and other policies like “exorbitant value-added taxes.”

Come April 9, around 60 trading partners — including the European Union, Japan and China — are set to face even higher rates tailored to each economy.

Already, Trump’s sharp 34-percent tariff on Chinese goods, set to kick in next week, triggered Beijing’s announcement of its own 34-percent tariff on US products from April 10.

Beijing also said it would sue the United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and restrict the export of rare earth elements used in high-end medical and electronics technology.

“China has been hit much harder than the USA, not even close,” Trump said in his post. “They, and many other nations, have treated us unsustainably badly.”

But other major trading partners held back as they digested the unfolding international standoff amid fears of a recession.

– Markets collapse –

Wall Street went into free fall Friday, following similar collapses in Asia and Europe.

Economists have also warned that the tariffs could dampen growth and fuel inflation.

Trump’s latest tariffs have notable exclusions, however.

They do not stack onto recently imposed 25-percent tariffs hitting imports of steel, aluminum and automobiles.

Also temporarily spared are copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and lumber, alongside “certain critical minerals” and energy products, the White House said.

But Trump has ordered investigations into copper and lumber, which could lead to further duties soon.

He has threatened to hit other industries like pharmaceuticals and semiconductors as well, meaning any reprieve might be limited.

Canada and Mexico are unaffected by the latest move as they already face separate duties of up to 25 percent on goods entering the United States outside a North America trade agreement.

– Retaliation risk –

While Trump’s staggered deadlines allow space for countries to negotiate, “if they can’t get a reprieve, they are likely to retaliate, as China already has,” Oxford Economics warned this week.

EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic said the bloc, which faces a 20-percent tariff, will act in “a calm, carefully phased, unified way” and allow time for talks.

But he said it “won’t stand idly by.”

France and Germany have said the EU could respond by imposing a tax on US technology companies.

Japan’s prime minister called for a “calm-headed” approach after Trump unveiled 24-percent tariffs on Japanese-made goods.

Meanwhile, Trump said he held a “very productive” call with Vietnam’s top leader, with imports from the Southeast Asian manufacturing hub facing extraordinary 46-percent US duties.

Since returning to the presidency, Trump has hit imports from Canada and Mexico with tariffs over illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling, and imposed an additional 20-percent rate on goods from China.

Come April 9, the added levy on Chinese products this year will reach 54 percent.

Trump’s 25-percent auto tariffs also took effect this week, and Jeep-owner Stellantis has paused production at some Canadian and Mexican assembly plants.

Trump’s new global levies mark “the most sweeping tariff hike since the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, the 1930 law best remembered for triggering a global trade war and deepening the Great Depression,” said the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Oxford Economics estimates the action will push the average effective US tariff rate to 24 percent, “higher even than those seen in the 1930s.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Rajasthan Jail Prahari Admit Card 2025 to be released on April 8, download now

Rajasthan Jail Prahari Admit Card 2025: The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB), Jaipur, has announced that the Admit Card for the Rajasthan Jail Prahari Examination 2025 will be available for download starting April 8, 2025. This crucial document, which is required for entry into the examination hall, can be accessed by candidates through their SSO (Single Sign-On) ID. The exam is scheduled to take place on April 12, 2025. As the date approaches, candidates are urged to follow the necessary steps to download their admit cards and ensure that they are prepared for the examination.
In the meantime, RSSB has also issued detailed instructions for candidates appearing for the examination. The instructions emphasize the importance of adhering to the dress code, arriving at the exam center well in advance, and strictly following the guidelines outlined by the Board. These steps are essential to avoid any complications or disqualifications on the day of the exam.
How to download the Rajasthan Jail Prahari admit card
Candidates who have applied for the Rajasthan Jail Prahari Direct Recruitment Examination 2024 can download their provisional e-admit cards from April 8, 2025. To do so, follow the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Visit the official RSSB recruitment portal at https://recruitment.rajasthan.gov.in/rectlogingetadmitcard.
Step 2: Click on the “Get Admit Card” option.
Step 3: Select “Get Admit Card” under Recruitment to access the admit card download page.
Step 4: Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth (DOB) to retrieve your admit card.
Candidates can also view the district allotted for the examination center by logging into their SSO ID from April 4, 2025. It is important to note that no separate provisional admit cards will be sent to candidates; they must download the card from the portal on their own.
Exam schedule and important details
The Rajasthan Jail Prahari Direct Recruitment Examination 2024 will be conducted on April 12, 2025 (Saturday). The examination will be divided into two shifts:
• Morning Shift: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Evening Shift: 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Candidates are required to report to the examination center at least 2 hours before the scheduled time for a thorough search and seating arrangement. The entrance to the exam center will close exactly 1 hour before the scheduled exam time, and no candidates will be allowed to enter after this time.
Exam center and identity verification
At the examination center, candidates must present their provisional e-admit card along with an original photo ID. Aadhar cards will be used for identity verification, and it is mandatory that the Aadhar card includes the candidate’s date of birth. In exceptional cases, candidates may use other identity proofs such as PAN card, passport, or voter ID.
Additionally, candidates must bring a recent color photograph (size 2.5cm x 2.5cm) to be affixed to the attendance sheet. Only blue ballpoint pens are allowed for the exam, and no other materials (including watches, mobile phones, bags, or calculators) are permitted in the examination hall.
Dress code and prohibited items
Candidates must adhere to the prescribed dress code for the examination. Male candidates are allowed to wear half/full sleeve shirts, T-shirts, or kurta pyjamas. Female candidates should wear a salwar suit, saree, or kurta with a simple rubber band for their hair. Certain items, such as large buttons, metal pins, and jewelry, are strictly prohibited.
Moreover, candidates are prohibited from wearing watches, bags, or any items not related to the examination. Sikh candidates will be allowed to wear religious symbols like Kada, Kirpan, and Turban, but these must be within the specified guidelines.
Strict measures against cheating
RSSB has taken strict measures to prevent cheating and the use of unfair means during the examination. Any candidate caught violating the examination rules will face severe penalties, including fines ranging from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 10 crore and imprisonment from 10 years to life. These measures are part of the Rajasthan Public Examination (Measures to Prevent Unfair Means of Recruitment) Act 2022 and its amendments.
Candidates are encouraged to visit the official RSSB website regularly for updates and further information regarding the examination. The official website will also host the master question paper and answer key after the exam, along with a window for submitting objections within 72 hours.
For any issues related to the exam center or other queries, candidates can contact the district control room, and contact numbers will be available on the official RSSB website.
For more information, candidates can visitwww.rsmssb.rajasthan.gov.in or https://recruitment.rajasthan.gov.in.

A 55-year-old man has allegedly bludgeoned his wife to death over suspicion of her having extramarital affairs in Noida, officials said on Saturday. According to the police, the accused, Nurullah Haider, hit his wife, Asma Khan, on her head with a hammer during an argument, resulting in her death.

The incident took place in Noida’s Sector 15 area on Friday.

The 42-year-old victim was a software engineer and worked at a private company in Noida’s Sector 62. She lived in Delhi earlier and was an engineering graduate from Jamia Millia Islamia. The accused is from Bihar and was also an engineering graduate. However, he is currently unemployed.

The couple married in 2005 and have two children – a son and a daughter. While their son is an engineering student, their daughter studies in Class 8.

Officials said that the couple’s son first reported the incident to the police by dialing 112 – an emergency response number in India.

“As soon as we received the information, our team and forensic experts reached the spot. We have taken the accused into custody and sent the victim’s body for post-mortem. Further investigation is underway,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Rambadan Singh said.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Haider had been suspecting his wife of having extramarital affairs.

“Their daughter informed me about the incident this morning. They were fighting for several days. But we did not expect that he would take such a step,” the victim’s brother-in-law said.

LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Image via Getty)

The Los Angeles Lakers‘ recent loss to the Golden State Warriors highlighted the fact that the team is lacking in areas that need reinforcement. Despite strong performances from LeBron James, the Lakers’ failed to deliver on a crucial game. Luka Doncic was also unsatisfied with his performance. This lack of depth could push the front office to explore trades this offseason, with Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith emerging as a potential target.
(Disclaimer: The information and analysis presented in this article are based on current speculations. While the details are sourced from credible insights, it’s important to note that these are not confirmed moves or official statements. Readers are encouraged to take this analysis with a grain of salt and stay tuned for official updates as the offseason unfolds.)

Why Aaron Nesmith fits the Los Angeles Lakers

Nesmith, a 25-year-old forward, has developed into one of the NBA’s most efficient players since joining the Pacers in 2022. Evan Sidery of Forbes noted: “Aaron Nesmith is currently the only one player this season producing 50/40/90 shooting splits. Since being traded from the (Boston) Celtics to the Pacers in 2022, Nesmith has developed into one of the NBA’s most underrated wings.”(H/t: The Sporting News)

How Aaron Nesmith elevates the Los Angeles Lakers

Aaron Nesmith (Image via NBA)

1. Elite Shooting – The Los Angeles Lakers rank 17th in three-point percentage (36.1%). Nesmith’s 47.0% shooting from the corners would give LeBron and Luka Doncic another reliable outlet.
2. Strong Perimeter Defense – His athleticism and defensive intensity would bolster a Lakers team that struggles against quick guards.
3. Bench Scoring Boost – Nesmith’s ability to create his own shot and thrive in transition would address LA’s second-unit woes.

Proposed trade package

For the Lakers to acquire Nesmith, they may need to part with:
– Dalton Knecht (No. 17 pick in 2024)
– Jared Vanderbilt (defensive wing)
This move would give Indiana a promising rookie and a versatile defender while providing the Lakers with a proven contributor.

Potential impact on Lakers’ title odds

Adding Nesmith could shift Western Conference dynamics by:
– Improving floor spacing for LeBron and Luka
– Strengthening the Lakers’ transition game
– Boosting three-point efficiency
With Nesmith’s two-way play, Los Angeles could become a more complete contender in 2025-26.
Also read: NBA Offseason Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers could sign 6-foot-10 Chicago Bulls superstar to bolster Championship aspirations along with Luka-LeBron duo
The Los Angeles Lakers’ bench struggles are undeniable, and Aaron Nesmith represents an ideal solution. His elite shooting, defensive versatility, and fit alongside LeBron and Luka make him a prime trade target. If Pelinka pulls the trigger, this move could redefine LA’s championship trajectory.

In unleashing global tariffs, President Donald Trump has vowed to remake the world to benefit US workers. One beneficiary could be the country he sees as the primary adversary — China.

Asia’s largest economy promptly slapped identical tariffs on the United States and said it would impose export controls on rare earth elements vital in consumer and medical technology.

But unlike during his first term, this time Trump is targeting not just China but the entire world — including American allies that had increasingly joined Washington’s firm line on Beijing.

Just days before Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs announcement, China moved to revive stalled free-trade talks with Japan and South Korea, both treaty-bound US allies with deep-rooted skepticism about Beijing.

“If Trump’s unilateralism continues, I expect Beijing to court these capitals more aggressively, positioning itself as the steadier economic anchor in the region,” said Lizzi Lee, a fellow on the Chinese economy at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis.

“And let’s not forget the optics. China is very much framing Trump’s tariffs as proof of US decline — resorting to protectionism, bullying allies and retreating from global norms,” she said.

Yun Sun, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, said she had expected China to be “a little more chill” in response to Trump’s tariffs but said Beijing did not appear as worried as during his first term.

“I think the Chinese see this more as opportunity and believe the US is actively undermining itself,” she said.

“There are a number of aggrieved parties that had been solid and loyal allies of the US,” she added. “Now their confidence in the approach that the US is taking around the world is — I wouldn’t say shattered — but at least in doubt.”

– Burying US opening to China –

To be sure, China will likely feel real pain from the US tariffs. It shipped more than $500 billion in goods to the United States last year, with the trade balance far in China’s favor.

Critics of China hailed what they saw as a death knell for a former near-consensus in Washington on the value of integrating the Asian power into the global economy.

“The idea that Communist China could be a responsible member of an international trade regime — the World Trade Organization — which should be premised on equal and fair trade, is a joke,” said Representative Chris Smith, a Republican who for decades has railed against Bill Clinton’s 1994 delinking of China’s trading privileges from human rights.

“Unlike previous presidents, President Trump fully understands the nature and scope of the problem — and the existential threat posed by China — and what needs to be done,” Smith said.

Jacob Stokes, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, noted that China still has a slew of issues with other countries, from territorial disputes with Japan, India and Southeast Asia to concerns in Europe over China’s embrace of Russia in the Ukraine war.

“China has been adept at undermining its own positions, especially with its neighbors, through assertiveness and even aggression,” Stokes said.

– Attention shifts from China –

But Stokes said that former president Joe Biden had been effective in forming coalitions with other countries to put pressure on China, on issues from access to fifth-generation internet networks to security.

“To the extent that Beijing was feeling a little bit isolated at the end of the Biden administration, I think that a lot of that pressure has come off as the locus of disruption is now clearly Washington,” Stokes said.

While both Trump and Biden policymakers have identified China as the top US rival, Lee, of the Asia Society Policy Institute, said Trump fundamentally saw President Xi Jinping “not as a villain, but as a peer — another strongman.”

“For Trump, economic war isn’t about economics or even the stock markets — it’s about the optics of domination and strength,” Lee said.

“And that leaves just enough room for a pivot — if Xi offers the kind of win Trump can brand.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

_{Celebrity Masterchef contestant Gaurav Khanna and the makers of the show are facing backlash on social media for allegedly copying a dessert dish. Recently, a promo featuring Gaurav Khanna presenting a dessert he had made went viral. Chefs Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar applauded him for his creativity and stunning presentation. However, it later came to light that the presentation concept wasn’t originally his.
Social media is buzzing with claims that the dessert Gaurav presented closely resembles a creation by Swiss chef Dives Josh, originally shared on his Instagram page. Adding to the controversy, the original chef reposted the Celebrity MasterChef promo, indirectly calling out both the makers and Gaurav for using his idea without credit.
He captioned the video as, “Well done, so creative…” with a teasing emoji. He has reported the video of his recipe on his Insta story and wrote, “the original”.}

In the promo, Gaurav Khanna presents his beautifully crafted dessert in a wine glass, pouring syrup over it as it elegantly drips from the cream. The presentation of the dessert leaves judges Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar impressed.
Ranveer Brar is left spellbound by the visuals and he says, “Yeh dessert zinda hai, drop by drop,” admitting that he is at a loss for words. Vikas Khanna, equally astonished, shares his thoughts: “There are times when I feel like I’ve seen everything and it’s just a repeat. But this… this is something new. Yeh nahi expect kiya tha.” Ranveer, clearly impressed, playfully adds, “Ek hi dil hai dost, kitni baar jeetoge?”
Vikas Khanna was also moved by the look of the dessert and even before taking a bite, Vikas drops his spoon in admiration. Ranveer also gives a spoon tap appreciating Gaurav’s dish. Reacting to the same, Rajiv runs away while saying, ‘Main toh jaa raha hoon’. Farah Khan also exclaimed in the promo that it has happened for the first time when the chefs have given spoon tap and spoon drop even before tasting a dish.
The makers and the actor are facing criticism for allegedly lifting someone’s idea.
Take a look:
However, as soon as the post gained traction online, Gaurav’s fans quickly came to his support, claiming that while he may have drawn inspiration from the original, he created a distinctly different dessert of his own.
Take a look:
Celebrity Masterchef will witness grand finale next week which will be joined by many guest celebrities like Munawar Faruqui, Karan Kundrra, Chunky Panday, Sanjeev Kapoor.

US stock futures fell sharply today, signalling more losses on Wall Street, after China retaliated with fresh tariffs a day after the Trump administration’s sweeping levies knocked off $2.4 trillion from US equities.

In India, the NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex continued to fall as anxiety about the future of the global trade system prevailed due to US President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies.

The chatter on social media indicates severe criticism of Trump’s policies, as well as wide support for him from the champions of ‘Make America Great Again’, or MAGA.

Lawrence H Summers, a Harvard professor who worked with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, pointed out today’s stock market fall was probably the worst experience in the last five years.

“Today was the worst stock market experience in five years. Usually when you have a terrible stock market experience, it’s because a bank fails, a pandemic, a hurricane or because some other country does something,” Mr Summers said in a post on X.

“We don’t have these kinds of stock market responses in response to policies that the President of the United States is proud of. That is something that is entirely without precedent. It is extremely dangerous,” he added.

Today was the worst stock market experience in five years. Usually when you have a terrible stock market experience, it’s because a bank fails, a pandemic, a hurricane or because some other country does something. We don’t have these kinds of stock market responses in response to…

— Lawrence H. Summers (@LHSummers) April 4, 2025

Others have alleged Trump’s own social networking website Truth Social suddenly had the foresight to sell stock before the tariffs were formally announced.

“Just before announcing a major escalation in his tariff war on Wednesday evening – followed by a major stock market wipeout the following morning – president Donald Trump freed up the sale of his Truth Social shares,” MSN reported.

“As the Financial Times reports, Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG) revealed that it was planning to sell more than 142 million shares in a late Tuesday filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission,” it said.

Gabe Sanchez, the host of ‘What Was That Show’, alleged Trump’s trade war began on fake numbers and people are facing the consequences now.

“Layoffs in the US surged 205 per cent in March, hitting 275,240 job cuts – the worst since the height of the pandemic in 2020. Trump has kicked off a trade war based on fake numbers. And now? The stock market is in freefall,” Mr Sanchez said in a post on X.

What added to anxiety among US investors was China’s announcement it would apply 34 per cent tariffs on US imports, becoming the first major economy to fire back against Trump’s swingeing new levies in the escalating global trade war that sent markets deep into the red.

China — one of the US’ top trading partners — had also said it would file a suit at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over the tariffs.

Jon Cooper, the former Long Island campaign chair for Mr Obama, said, “Financial markets are now plunging even further following news that China has retaliated against the US over the tariffs announced by Trump on Wednesday night.”

The longer Trump’s tariffs remain in effect, the more harm will be done to the US economy and the higher consumer prices will rise. I spoke today to the head of a company that manufactures household appliances, who said they’ll definitely have to increase their prices once the…

— Jon Cooper 🇺🇸 (@joncoopertweets) April 4, 2025

Some MAGA supporters hit back at Trump’s critics. They asked for patience, and asserted the markets are at a correction phase after being hyped up on hollow money under the previous Biden administration.

Bill Mitchell, the CEO of Your Voice Studios, said stocks are falling because they were propped up with laundered US taxpayer money.

“The reality is that stocks are falling because they were propped up with laundered US taxpayer money through Ukraine and USAID. Trump cut off the “new money” tap and so they fell. Markets were artificially propped up to make the Biden economy look successful.  That is now correcting. The globalists are the ones screaming recession the loudest but this is the chemotherapy necessary to save America from this cancer,” Mr Mitchell said in a post on X.

The reality is that stocks are falling because they were propped up with laundered US taxpayer money through Ukraine and USAID. Trump cut off the “new money” tap and so they fall.

Markets were artificially propped up to make the Biden economy look successful. That is now…

— Bill Mitchell (@mitchellvii) March 31, 2025

Trump dismissed the turmoil on Thursday, insisting to reporters as he left for a weekend at his Florida golf resort that stocks will “boom”. He announced 10 per cent import duties on all nations, due to kick in on Saturday, and far higher levies on imports from dozens of specific countries taking effect next week.

Countries have slammed the tariffs but, with the exception of China, have so far withheld retaliatory measures, offering talks with the US.

“Want to ask which Congress-ruled or non-BJP-ruled state allocated funds for Waqf board”: JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar

NEW DELHI: JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar on Friday defended his party’s support for the Waqf Amendment Bill, as backlash from within escalated with a fifth leader resigning in protest.
Kumar challenged critics by questioning the commitment of other parties to minority welfare, asserting that Nitish Kumar’s government allocated Rs 110 crore to the Waqf Board—something he claimed no Congress-ruled or non-BJP state had done.
“The question is to keep the party’s existence alive and follow its decision. I want to ask which Congress-ruled or non-BJP-ruled state has allocated funds for the Waqf board. Nitish Kumar’s government gave Rs 110 crore to the Waqf Board,” Kumar told ANI.
He added, “Nitish Kumar got votes from all sections of the society. The Muslim community realises that Nitish Kumar ji worked for their welfare.”
His comments come amid a series of resignations within JD(U), with several leaders calling the party’s support for the bill “anti-Muslim.” On Friday, Nadeem Akhtar became the fifth to resign, following the exits of Raju Nayyar, Tabrez Siddiqui Alig, Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik, and Mohammed Kasim Ansari.
In his resignation, Nayyar wrote: “I resign from JD(U) after Waqf Amendment Bill is passed and supported in the Lok Sabha… I am deeply hurt by the JD(U) voting in favour of this black law, which oppresses Muslims.”
Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik echoed similar sentiments: “Millions of Indian Muslims like us had the firm belief that you are the flag bearer of purely secular ideology. But now this belief has been broken.”
Ansari said the party’s stance had “deeply hurt” Muslims, while Tabrez Siddiqui accused JD(U) of “betraying the trust of the Muslim community” in his letter to Nitish Kumar.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) had earlier appealed to secular parties and NDA allies to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill, which was passed in Parliament early Friday morning after a 17-hour debate.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announced the result: “Ayes 128 and Noes 95, Absent zero. The Bill is passed.” Parliament also passed the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, during the session.

The BJP has demanded an apology from Congress leader Sonia Gandhi over her remarks on the Waqf Bill. Mrs Gandhi termed the Waqf Bill a “brazen assault” on the Constitution, accusing the BJP of seeking to keep society in a state of “permanent polarisation.”

The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf amendment bill late on Thursday, leading to strong reactions from both the ruling party and the opposition.

Speaking at a Congress Parliamentary Party meeting in Samvidhan Sadan, Mrs Gandhi claimed that the Bill was “bulldozed” through the lower house. She also criticised the proposed One Nation, One Election Bill, calling it a subversion of the Constitution, and vowed that the Congress would strongly oppose it.

“Whether it is education, civil rights and liberties, our federal structure, or the conduct of elections, the Modi government is dragging the country into an abyss where our Constitution will remain on paper,” she said. She further accused the government of attempting to turn India into a “surveillance state.”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi were among those present at the meeting. Mrs Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had rebranded and marketed initiatives from the 2004-2014 Congress rule as his own, and called for a public outreach campaign to counter such claims.

On the functioning of Parliament, she accused the treasury benches of frequently disrupting proceedings to prevent the Congress from raising issues. She urged Congress MPs to aggressively counter the BJP’s “falsehoods” about Congress-ruled states and to highlight failures in BJP-ruled states with thorough research.

The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill after a 12-hour debate. Amendments moved by Opposition members were rejected by voice vote. The final tally stood at 288 in favor and 232 against. The Bill is now set to be discussed in the Rajya Sabha.

The debate in the Rajya Sabha was heated. Opposition parties labeled the Bill “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional,” while the government defended it as a “historic reform” aimed at benefiting the minority community. The Bill passed the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favor and 95 against.

Following Mrs Gandhi’s remarks, BJP MPs led by Nishikant Dubey demanded an apology, arguing that she had accused the BJP of “taking the country down the drain” and that her statements were an attack on the Indian Constitution. As a result, Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned on Friday morning amid protests from BJP members, who chanted “Sonia Gandhi maafi maango” (Sonia Gandhi, apologise). Opposition members, in turn, demanded government responses on US tariff impositions.

The Congress has announced plans to challenge the Waqf Bill in the Supreme Court. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on X that the party would “very soon” contest the Bill’s constitutionality, adding, “We are confident and will continue to resist all assaults of the Modi government on the principles, provisions, and practices that are contained in the Constitution of India.”