Opposition MPs boycott JPC Waqf bill meeting amid allegations and discontent

Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) staged a walkout from the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, expressing strong discontent over alleged procedural violations and inappropriate conduct. The opposition accused BJP members of using offensive language during discussions, claiming that the committee chairperson, Jagdambika Pal, failed to take appropriate action against these remarks. This walkout follows a heated session where the opposition raised concerns about the fairness and integrity of the proceedings.

Tensions peaked when Anwar Manipeddi, the former chairperson of the Karnataka State Minority Commission, presented a controversial report alleging that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and several other leaders were involved in the misappropriation of Waqf properties. The opposition strongly condemned these allegations, branding them as baseless and politically motivated. Key opposition figures, including Gaurav Gogoi, Imran Masood, and Asaduddin Owaisi, expressed their frustrations, asserting that the JPC was not adhering to parliamentary norms and procedures.

The JPC has been actively soliciting public input on the Waqf Bill, engaging with various stakeholders across the nation to gather diverse perspectives. In recent discussions held in Hyderabad, the committee met with representatives from Waqf boards, religious organizations, and civil society to understand the implications of the proposed amendments. JPC Chairperson Jagdambika Pal highlighted the importance of these consultations, stating that they aim to create a comprehensive report that reflects the views of all stakeholders involved.

Despite the opposition's walkout, the JPC remains committed to its objective of finalizing the Waqf Bill ahead of the next parliamentary session. The committee plans to reconvene shortly to continue discussions and will hear oral evidence from representatives of the Ministry of Minority Affairs. As the political landscape surrounding the Waqf Bill intensifies, further confrontations between the ruling party and the opposition are expected, particularly as both sides prepare for upcoming parliamentary debates on the contentious legislation.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which aims to reform the administration and management of Waqf properties, has been a subject of debate due to allegations of mismanagement and corruption. The ongoing discussions in the JPC are critical for determining the future of these properties, which are meant to serve the socio-economic interests of minority communities in India. As the JPC seeks to finalize its recommendations, the opposition remains vigilant, raising concerns about the bill's potential impact on minority rights and the overall governance of Waqf properties in the country.