Opposition MPs walk out of Waqf Bill Committee meeting
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Several opposition MPs staged a walkout during a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on Monday, protesting against the handling of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill discussions.
The MPs accused the committee of procedural violations and allowing unwarranted personal attacks.
The walkout was led by prominent opposition figures, including Congress MPs Gaurav Gogoi and Imran Masood, DMK’s A Raja, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Arvind Sawant, AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi, Samajwadi Party's Mohibbullah, and AAP's Sanjay Singh. These members expressed dissatisfaction with how the panel was being conducted, stating that parliamentary norms were not being followed.
Arvind Sawant voiced concerns about personal allegations being made during the meeting, particularly against senior leaders such as Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. He claimed the committee was operating unethically and failing to adhere to its principles. "We have boycotted because the committee is not functioning with the principles and norms of the committee. Ethically and principally, they are wrong," Sawant remarked.
The controversy arose after a presentation by Anwar Manippadi, former Chairman of the Karnataka State Minorities Commission, whose testimony, according to opposition members, deviated from the Bill’s scope and included accusations against the Karnataka government and Kharge. This further escalated tensions within the meeting.
Following the walkout, opposition MPs convened to discuss their next steps, with some considering seeking the intervention of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Meanwhile, the committee, led by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, continued its proceedings without opposition representation.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, aimed at reforming the management of Waqf properties by introducing digitization, rigorous audits, and a framework to recover encroached properties, was still under review.
Despite the opposition's protest, the committee submitted its report to the Lok Sabha, which is expected to be discussed in the next Parliament session.
