Contentious Clash in Parliament: Waqf Amendment Sparks Political Ruckus

The Joint Parliamentary Committee presented the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 report amid significant opposition in the Rajya Sabha, leading to session disruptions. Opposition members questioned the bill's motivations, citing potential political bias and constitutional concerns. The report follows nationwide consultations and suggests several amendments for improved Waqf property management.

On Thursday, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was presented in the Rajya Sabha amidst significant opposition-induced uproar. Bharatiya Janata Party MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni introduced the report, accompanying it with a record of evidence from previous hearings.

Proceedings in the Upper House were repeatedly disrupted by opposition members, leading to adjournments. JPC Chairman and BJP MP Jagadambika Pal stressed that the committee's findings were based on six months of national consultations, culminating in 25 amendments across 14 clauses aimed at improving the Waqf Act.

However, opposition leaders, including Congress MPs Gaurav Gogoi and KC Venugopal, criticized the bill for its alleged political motives and constitutional neglect, insisting the focus should be on implementing existing provisions better. Additionally, Trinamool Congress members Kalyan Banerjee and Md Nadimul Haque accused the committee of bias and ignoring dissenting opinions in its report.