Opposition Members Suspended from Waqf Bill Panel After Ruckus During JPC Meeting
In a dramatic turn of events, several opposition members were suspended from the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) discussing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, following a chaotic session marked by protests and disruptions. MPs from Trinamool Congress (TMC), DMK, and AIMIM were suspended for their behavior during the Friday meeting, which included shouting slogans and using unparliamentary language.
The move to suspend the MPs came after the committee, chaired by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, had to adjourn the meeting multiple times due to the disturbances. Among those suspended were prominent opposition leaders, including TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee, DMK’s A Raja, and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, who have all been vocal critics of the bill.
Tensions Escalate: Opposition MPs Protest the Bill
The primary point of contention for the opposition MPs was the haste with which the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was being discussed, particularly in light of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Opposition members claimed the government was rushing through the bill in order to push through controversial changes before the polls. Congress MP Imran Masood, one of the suspended members, accused the JPC of arbitrary actions and warned that the bill would “crush Waqf properties.”
Masood’s concerns centered around the perceived grab of Waqf land, especially in relation to mosques, madrassas, and graveyards. He further alleged that the bill was part of a broader agenda to undermine the integrity of Waqf properties and promote an agenda aligned with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
“We agreed to meet on January 25 and 26, but it was suddenly postponed to January 27, and now they are trying to hurry through the bill. It looks like they want to grab Waqf properties. They are not taking this seriously. The situation in the JPC is deteriorating,” Masood stated during the heated debate.
A Delayed Meeting and Postponed Discussions
The debate surrounding the bill intensified when Congress MP Md. Jawaid, another suspended member, raised questions about the bill’s intent and its impact on Waqf lands. Jawaid accused the government of trying to push the bill through hastily without due deliberation. He was especially vocal about the timing of the meeting and the disruption caused by the sudden postponement of the scheduled discussions.
“We received a message at 11:30 PM informing us that the meeting scheduled for January 25 was postponed to January 27. This is not only disrespectful to MPs but also a waste of valuable time. We had committed to attending and engaging in these discussions. Meanwhile, the bill’s intent to grab land from mosques, madrassas, and graveyards is clear. The RSS agenda seems evident, and we must question the real motive behind the bill,” Jawaid said.
Clarifications from JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal
Despite the protests and disruptions, JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal attempted to restore order during the meeting, confirming that the committee was proceeding with a clause-by-clause discussion of the bill scheduled for January 27. Pal reassured the members that the meeting had to be adjourned repeatedly due to the unruly conduct of the opposition MPs, making it difficult to proceed with the deliberations.
In his statement, Pal confirmed that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric of Kashmir, was present with a delegation from Jammu and Kashmir and was set to share their views before the committee. However, the ongoing disruptions and protests from opposition members delayed the proceedings, creating further complications for the committee’s schedule.
Waqf Bill 2024: The Controversy and Implications
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 has sparked significant controversy in Indian political circles. The bill seeks to introduce amendments aimed at reforming the management and control of Waqf properties across the country. Waqf properties are lands or resources donated for religious or charitable purposes, often associated with mosques, madrassas, and other religious institutions. The bill has faced criticism from various quarters, with opponents arguing that it could lead to the mismanagement and exploitation of these assets.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, TMC, and DMK, have alleged that the bill is part of a larger strategy to undermine the Waqf system, which they argue is being targeted for political gains. Concerns have been raised about the potential privatization of Waqf properties, as well as the government’s timing in pushing the bill through Parliament.
Political Impact and Future Deliberations
The tensions around the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, are set to escalate in the coming days. The suspended opposition MPs have expressed their strong objections, while the JPC remains adamant about discussing the bill. The suspension of these MPs signals a broader political battle, with opposition parties likely to raise the matter in Parliament and rally against the bill in the coming days.
As discussions continue, all eyes will be on the January 27 meeting, which is expected to be a pivotal moment for the future of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the escalating opposition protests and whether the bill will pass through Parliament in its current form.