Opposition MPs Protest Onion Price Hike, Challenge Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament

Opposition MPs protested against the rising prices of onions and vegetables outside the parliament on Thursday. Wearing onion garlands, they demanded legal guarantees on MSP. Additionally, they opposed the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 by the BJP-led government.

MPs from various opposition parties protested outside the parliament on Thursday, condemning the increasing prices of onions and other vegetables. Wearing garlands made of onions, the MPs chanted slogans demanding a reduction in prices.

RJD MP Manoj Jha launched a sharp attack on the Modi-led central government, criticizing the lack of legal guarantees on MSP. He called for transparency in the expenditure of taxpayer money, particularly in relation to the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi pointed out the disparity in export permissions for onion farmers between Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Chaturvedi highlighted that farmers are demanding the fulfillment of government promises to double their income by ensuring MSP. In a related development, the BJP-led government plans to introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha. The bill aims to address issues related to the State Waqf Boards' powers, registration and survey of waqf properties, and removal of encroachments.

Congress MPs, including KC Venugopal and Hibi Eden, submitted notices to oppose the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Samajwadi Party members have also voiced their opposition. Congress chief whip K Suresh stated that the opposition is united against the bill.