Akhilesh Yadav, Amit Shah engage in banter during Waqf bill debate
PTC Web Desk: The Lok Sabha witnessed a lively exchange on Wednesday as Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Union Home Minister Amit Shah engaged in a banter over the pending selection of the next BJP president during discussions on the Waqf Bill.
Veering off-topic, Akhilesh Yadav took a jibe at the ruling party, pointing out that the “world’s largest political party” had yet to elect its national president. His remark drew laughter from opposition benches, and even Amit Shah was seen smiling at the comment.
Responding in a similar tone, Amit Shah remarked that unlike opposition parties, where leadership is confined to a few family members, the BJP follows a rigorous selection process involving its massive membership base. "The parties sitting across from us have national presidents chosen from within five family members. In our party, we have to consult 12-13 crore members, so naturally, it takes time," he said.
Taking a dig at Akhilesh Yadav’s own political career, Shah added, "In your case, it will not take much time. I am saying that you will remain president for 25 years."
The BJP has yet to finalise a successor for JP Nadda, who was inducted into Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet following the party’s victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. The delay in selecting the new party president has persisted for over 10 months.
Akhilesh Yadav also aimed a veiled criticism at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, linking it to internal party power dynamics. "Someone (Modi) undertook a 'yatra' to extend the 75-year limit and save his chair," he quipped.
PM Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters on Sunday marked his first since assuming office in 2014. Given that the Prime Minister will turn 75 this September, his visit has fueled speculation regarding the future leadership of the BJP.
- With inputs from agencies
