Opposition Protests Wakf (Amendment) Bill Report in Rajya Sabha
Parliament Session: The final working day of the first phase of Parliament's Budget Session concluded today. The report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the Wakf (Amendment) Bill was tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Immediately following its presentation, opposition MPs created a ruckus, leading to the adjournment of the Rajya Sabha proceedings.
Controversy and Uproar over JPC Report
The opposition bly objected to the report, presented by Medha Kulkarni. Opposition members alleged that the report was biased and failed to record their dissenting views. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge termed it a "bogus" report and demanded its referral back to the JPC. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sushmita Dev also accused the committee of suppressing the opposition's opinion in its report.
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Proceedings Adjourned
The uproar following the report's presentation led to the adjournment of the Lok Sabha proceedings until 2 PM. Similarly, the Rajya Sabha proceedings were repeatedly disrupted by protesting opposition MPs. The opposition alleges that the JPC report ignored their dissent and attempts to impose it forcefully.
JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju's Response
BJP president JP Nadda accused the opposition of engaging in appeasement politics, stating they were avoiding debate and deliberately creating a commotion. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that nothing had been removed from the bill and that it was drafted strictly according to regulations. He appealed to the opposition not to mislead the House.
Strong Reaction from Opposition MPs
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh criticized the disregard for the dissenting views of committee members. He alleged that the government was attempting to seize Wakf properties and that Gurdwaras, Churches, and Temples could be targeted in the future. DMK MP Tiruchi Siva stated that while recording dissent in committees has been a tradition, it was suppressed in this instance.
Asaduddin Owaisi's Warning
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the bill as unconstitutional, arguing that its passage in its current form would violate Articles 25, 26, and 14. He warned that the bill could cause social unrest and that the Muslim community entirely rejects it.
Government's Stance on the Bill
The government maintains that the bill aims to make the management of Wakf properties more transparent and effective. It includes provisions to enhance the accountability of Wakf boards and prevent corruption. The government claims the bill will not infringe upon the rights of any religious community.
