New Delhi: Tensions flared during the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, resulting in the suspension of 10 Opposition MPs for a day. The suspension, enacted on Friday, followed heated protests and accusations against Chairman Jagdambika Pal for allegedly rushing the proceedings, reports the Hindustan Times.
The suspended MPs include Asaduddin Owaisi, Kalyan Banerjee, Mohammad Jawed, A. Raja, Naseer Hussain, Mohibbullah Nadvi, Mohamed Abdullah, Arvind Sawant, Nadeem-ul Haque, and Imran Masood. The motion for suspension was proposed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and subsequently adopted by the committee.
The conflict arose as opposition members accused the chairman of disregarding their concerns and pushing the process forward unilaterally. They alleged insufficient time was given to review the proposed amendments, leading to chaotic scenes during the meeting. BJP member Aparajita Sarangi described the opposition’s behaviour as “disgusting,” citing repeated disruptions and use of unparliamentary language.
Despite opposition protests, the session resumed with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent Kashmiri religious leader, presenting his views on the bill. However, dissatisfaction lingered among opposition members, who criticized the chairman for stifling debate.
Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee and Congress MP Naseer Hussain walked out of the meeting, labelling the proceedings a “farce.” They demanded the upcoming January 27 session for clause-by-clause review be postponed to January 30 or 31 to allow more time for deliberation.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on August 8, 2024, seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to improve the regulation and management of waqf properties. However, Opposition leaders have criticized the bill as being rushed without adequate consultation.
