Mallikarjun Kharge vows to resign if Anurag Thakur proves ‘wild’ land grab allegations

Congress president and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday challenged BJP MP Anurag Thakur to prove his allegations of land grabbing or resign from Parliament. Kharge raised the issue during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, stating that Thakur’s accusations had damaged his reputation. He emphasized that despite Thakur withdrawing the remarks in the Lok Sabha, the allegations had already circulated widely. Kharge also demanded an apology from both Thakur and BJP’s Rajya Sabha leader, J P Nadda.

The controversy began during a debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, when Thakur accused the Congress of misusing Waqf properties for political gain and alleged that Kharge had grabbed land without permission. "Yesterday, Anurag Thakur hurled completely false and baseless charges at me in the Lok Sabha. When my colleagues challenged him, he was compelled to withdraw his defamatory remarks. But the damage has been done," Kharge stated in Parliament. He insisted that if the allegations against him were proven, he would resign, but if they were false, Thakur should step down.

Thakur defended the Bill by stating that Waqf Boards had become "hubs of corruption" and needed reform. He claimed that only a small group controlled vast Waqf properties and accused the Congress of creating confusion over the issue. "India needs freedom from the fear of the Waqf Board," Thakur said, alleging that the opposition was opposing the Bill for political reasons. He further stated, "You will have to decide whether you will stand with the Constitution or with Waqf."

Following Kharge’s remarks, opposition members walked out of the Rajya Sabha in protest. Congress leaders condemned the allegations as an attempt to malign Kharge and divert attention from key issues. They argued that the ruling party was using the Waqf Bill to polarize opinions. Meanwhile, BJP members maintained that the Bill was essential to ensure transparency and fairness in Waqf property administration.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has sparked intense debate in Parliament, with the BJP accusing Congress of "appeasement politics" and the opposition alleging that the Bill could lead to unfair targeting. As discussions continue, both parties remain firm on their positions, increasing tensions ahead of upcoming legislative decisions.