Controversy Erupts Over Waqf Amendment Bill Report in Lok Sabha

The Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill report was tabled in Lok Sabha amidst protests from opposition members who objected to their dissent notes not being fully annexed. Home Minister Amit Shah assured the inclusion of dissent notes. The report, accepted by a majority vote, stirred accusations of undermining Waqf boards.

The report of the Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was presented in the Lok Sabha on Thursday amidst a ruckus, as opposition members protested the omission of their dissent notes. Home Minister Amit Shah, representing the BJP, expressed no objection to including the notes without redaction, urging the Speaker to make a decision according to parliamentary procedures.

The presentation by panel chairman Jagdambika Pal was met with opposition slogans, which were countered by supportive applause from the treasury benches. In response to the protests, Shah emphasized that the BJP had no issues with attaching dissent notes to the report, leaving it to the Speaker's discretion. Despite calls for transparency, the opposition walked out, accusing the report process of undermining Waqf boards.

The Joint Committee’s report, adopted by a 15-11 majority vote, incorporated changes suggested by BJP members, further fueling controversy and claims from the opposition regarding potential detrimental impacts on Waqf boards. The report was formally submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on January 30.

(With inputs from agencies.)