Opposition MPs suspended amid chaos over Waqf Bill amendments
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In a contentious meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill, ten opposition MPs, including Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, and DMK’s A Raja, were suspended for the day following a heated clash over proposed changes to the Waqf Act of 1955.
The meeting, held on Friday, started amid protests from opposition members, who claimed insufficient time was provided to review the amendments affecting 44 sections of the Waqf Act.
The Waqf Amendment Bill proposes significant changes, including adding non-Muslim members and at least two women to Waqf boards.
The JPC was scheduled to hear inputs from Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent Kashmiri religious leader. However, opposition MPs accused ruling BJP members of rushing the bill ahead of Delhi’s upcoming elections, resulting in delays and further discord.
Tensions escalated during the hearing, with Congress MP Naseer Hussain and Kalyan Banerjee walking out, labeling the proceedings a "farce." BJP MP Nishikant Dubey countered by accusing the opposition of disrupting parliamentary decorum.
The Mirwaiz, addressing the committee, opposed the amendments, stating they represented government interference in religious matters. "The issue of Waqf is critical, particularly for Jammu and Kashmir. The government must avoid actions that make Muslims feel disempowered," he asserted.
This is not the first time the committee’s meetings have descended into chaos.
In October, Kalyan Banerjee reportedly threw a glass bottle at BJP MP Jagadambika Pal after a heated exchange, further reflecting the tense atmosphere surrounding the bill’s discussions.
The Waqf Amendment Bill suggests significant revisions, including:
- Nomination of non-Muslims and at least two women members to Waqf boards.
- Inclusion of a union minister, three MPs, two ex-judges, and other prominent individuals in the Central Waqf Council, with no requirement for them to be from the Islamic faith.
- Restrictions on land claims and limiting donations to Muslims practicing their faith for at least five years.
While proponents argue the amendments aim to empower Muslim women and children, critics, including Congress’ KC Venugopal, have called the changes an infringement on religious freedom. Opposition leaders Asaduddin Owaisi and DMK’s Kanimozhi claim the bill violates constitutional provisions such as Articles 15 and 30, which protect religious practices and minority rights.
Originally tasked with submitting its report by November 29, the JPC has received an extension until February 13, the last day of Parliament’s Budget Session. Both opposition and ruling party members agreed to the extension to allow further deliberation on the contentious amendments.