Waqf Amendment Bill Sparks Uproar in Parliament

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the Waqf Amendment Bill's Joint Parliamentary Committee report amidst Opposition protests, asserting that dissent notes are included. Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the exclusion of dissenting views, labeling it anti-democratic. Both houses of Parliament experienced disruptions over the contentious report.

In a fiery parliamentary session, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju addressed Opposition anger regarding the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report on the Waqf Amendment Bill. Rijiju reassured that despite the uproar, dissent notes from Opposition leaders have been duly included in the report and rejected claims branding it illegal or unconstitutional.

Addressing media representatives, Rijiju clarified that the JPC report, along with its annexure, has been thoroughly presented in the House. He stated that committee chairmen have the authority to exclude certain dissent notes if deemed necessary, as per the rules. Rijiju emphasized that the report reflects the views of the entire Parliament, not just the NDA.

Opposition Leader and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed strong objections to the alleged removal of dissent notes. Kharge accused the JPC of suppressing Opposition voices in the report on the Waqf Board, calling it undemocratic and urging for the document's reconsideration. The heated debate led to adjournments and disruptions in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

(With inputs from agencies.)