Opposition Walkout Over Controversial Waqf Amendment Report

Opposition MPs in Rajya Sabha staged a walkout in protest against a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, alleging bias and exclusion of dissent notes. The bill, aimed at reforming Waqf property management, has sparked fears of religious land 'grabs.'

In a dramatic turn of events, Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha staged a walkout on Thursday amid discussions on the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report concerning the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The walkout was prompted by allegations of bias and claims that crucial dissent notes were excluded from the JPC's findings.

Opposition leaders, including JMM MP Mahua Maji and AAP's Sanjay Singh, warned that the bill might be the start of a broader government move to seize lands belonging to non-Hindu religions. Congress MP Dr Syed Naseer Hussain criticized Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, accusing him of dishonesty and procedural violations during the committee's deliberations.

Despite the controversy, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed that, following a meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, many of the previously redacted dissent notes were restored to the report. The bill, which aims to introduce significant reforms in Waqf property management, including digitization and transparency measures, has stirred significant debate on its implications and future government actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)