Lucknow, April 12: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati has launched a broadside on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi over his silence during the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

Drawing parallels with the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), she alleged that LoP Gandhi’s silence has triggered resentment among the Muslim community.

Taking to X on Saturday, Mayawati questioned the Congress MP’s inaction.

“Is it appropriate for the Leader of Opposition to remain silent during the lengthy debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha? Especially when the Opposition has flagged it as a violation of constitutional provisions — just like the CAA? The Muslim community’s anger over this silence is only natural. This has also created discomfort within the INDIA bloc,” she wrote.

The BSP leader further accused both the Congress and the BJP of betraying the interests of marginalised communities.

“Parties like the Congress and BJP are equally responsible for undermining the rights of Bahujans by rendering their reservations ineffective — both in government employment and in education. Religious minorities should also be cautious of their hollow promises,” she said.

The former UP Chief Minister further added that such policies have worsened the condition of Bahujans in Uttar Pradesh.

“Bahujans are facing distress in every sector while BJP workers act with impunity. The growing privatisation of electricity and other public sectors is adding to the problems. The government must uphold its constitutional duty to ensure public welfare,” she said.

The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, which was passed by both Houses of Parliament and received the assent of President Droupadi Murmu, has now become law.

However, the legislation has sparked opposition from Congress, AIMIM, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). They have all filed separate petitions in the Supreme Court challenging its constitutional validity.

Meanwhile, protests against the new law have erupted in various parts of the country. In Uttar Pradesh, the police remain on alert amid heightened tensions.

Religious leaders have urged the Muslim community to maintain peace and avoid any form of violent demonstration. Several Opposition parties have also expressed their support for the ongoing protests.

Lucknow, April 11: Ahead of their high-stakes encounter against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Gujarat Titans (GT) batter Shahrukh Khan has praised the team’s grounded and uncomplicated approach to the game. Speaking at a pre-match press interaction on Friday, the middle-order batter highlighted the Titans’ clarity of purpose and consistency as the cornerstone of their success in the league.

Gujarat Titans have been among the most consistent franchises since their inception in 2022, winning the title in their debut season under Hardik Pandya and maintaining a high standard in subsequent editions. This season, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, the Titans once again sit atop the points table with four wins in five games.

“I think we are a very simple team with simple methods,” Shahrukh said here on Friday. “Every team in the tournament is strong, but we focus on how we play our cricket. What we do matters less than how we do it.”

Shahrukh, who is yet to deliver a standout performance this season, praised the team’s grounded mentality, saying that regardless of wins or losses, the camp remains calm and composed.

“GT has always been a balanced side. We don’t try to be extravagant. We stick to playing smart, effective cricket. Our plans evolve during the match, based on the situation, and everyone in the team is on board with that adaptability. We don’t get too high after wins or too low after losses,” he explained.

He also credited GT’s success to the dynamic partnership between head coach Ashish Nehra and skipper Shubman Gill.

“Very intelligent coach, to be honest,” Shahrukh said of Nehra. “He’s deeply invested in his players and genuinely cares for the people around him. His energy and understanding of the game are vital for us.”

On captain Shubman Gill, Shahrukh added, “He’s growing as a leader with every match. The way he’s evolving his captaincy is commendable, and the combination of Ashish bhai and Shubman is seamless, like hand in glove.”

Srinagar, April 11: Senior separatist and religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Friday, alleged that authorities had placed him under house arrest in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar, thereby preventing him from delivering his weekly sermon and offering prayers at the Jamia Masjid.

Mirwaiz Umar said on X, “Yet again, this Friday put under house arrest and barred from offering prayers at Jama Masjid. It’s is both heartbreaking and outrageous that authorities continue to trample on my basic religious rights – at their will. The resolution formulated by MMU -the meeting of which was also not allowed, against the Waqf Amendment Act will be read out today in mosques, shrines, and Imambaras across J&K”.

Two days ago, the authorities had disallowed the meeting of the Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU) — an amalgamation of religious organisations in the Valley headed by Mirwaiz — convened at the residence of his residence. The meeting was called to discuss the fallout of the Waqf Amendment Act.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently banned the Awami Action Committee (AAC) headed by Mirwaiz Umar for five years. The MHA order said that the AAC was a secessionist organisation indulging in anti-national activities and encouraging youths to resort to violence.

The ACC was formed in 1963 by the late Mirwaiz Maulana Mohammad Farooq during the Holy Relic agitation.

After the elder Mirwaiz was assassinated by terrorists in 1990 in his uptown Nigeen residence in Srinagar city, the ACC came to be headed by his son, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

In another order, the MHA also banned for five years the Ittihadul Muslimeen headed by Maulvi Masroor Abbas. The organisation was banned for its activities against the state and for acting in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the country.

The organisation was part of the separatist Hurriyat Conference and was headed by Maulvi Abbas Ansari, the senior Shia Muslim leader. After the death of Maulvi Abbas, his son, Maulvi Masoor Ansari, headed the Ittihadul Muslimeen.

The Mirwaiz is head of the moderate Hurriyat Conference, which was formed in 2003 when the Hurriyat Conference split into two groups — the hardline group headed by late Syed Ali Shah Geelani and the moderate group headed by Mirwaiz Umar. However, several of its associate outfits are distancing themselves and are pledging loyalty to the constitution of India.