Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A group of opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) boycotted a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on Monday, which was tasked with reviewing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The opposition MPs accused the committee of allowing personal attacks during the proceedings and failing to adhere to parliamentary procedures.
Leading the Walkout
Several prominent MPs, including Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Imran Masood, DMK’s A Raja, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Arvind Sawant, AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi, Samajwadi Party’s Mohibbullah, and Aam Aadmi Party’s Sanjay Singh, led the walkout. They strongly objected to how the panel’s proceedings were being conducted, particularly raising concerns over breaches of parliamentary norms.
“Committee Not Functioning Properly”
Speaking to reporters after the boycott, Arvind Sawant stated, “We have walked out because the committee is not functioning with the principles and norms expected. Ethically and procedurally, the committee is operating wrongly.” Sawant also expressed frustration over personal allegations allowed during the session, particularly targeting Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Accusations During Testimony
The walkout was triggered after a presentation by Anwar Manippadi, former Chairman of the Karnataka State Minorities Commission. Opposition MPs claimed that Manippadi’s remarks strayed beyond the scope of the Waqf Bill, containing accusations against the Karnataka government and Kharge, which they considered unwarranted.
Next Steps for Opposition MPs
Following the boycott, opposition members held a separate meeting to determine their next course of action. Some MPs suggested that they might approach Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to address their concerns. Despite the opposition’s absence, the committee, chaired by veteran BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, continued its proceedings.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 aims to bring reforms to the management of waqf properties, an area long plagued by mismanagement, corruption, and illegal encroachments. The proposed amendments include digitizing waqf records, implementing stricter audits, and establishing a legal framework to recover unlawfully occupied waqf properties. The committee’s report on the bill is expected to be presented during the upcoming Parliament session.
