Bhubaneswar (Odisha): BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi, a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, criticized opposition members for causing disruptions during JPC meetings and avoiding substantive debate on the proposed amendments.
Key Allegations by Aparajita Sarangi
- Ruckus During Meetings:
Sarangi alleged that opposition leaders disrupted proceedings whenever JPC meetings were convened to discuss the 44 proposed amendments to the Waqf Act.”They run away from any kind of argument or debate over the proposal of 44 amendments,” Sarangi stated. - Repeated Walkouts:
Opposition leaders staged walkouts on multiple occasions and primarily focused on seeking extensions for the presentation of the JPC’s report.”Last time they staged a walkout thrice. They only wanted an extension on the date of the presentation,” Sarangi added. - Decision to Extend Deadline:
Due to disruptions, the JPC Chairman extended the deadline for presenting the report to the last day of the Budget Session in 2025. A resolution was passed to submit the report to the Speaker of Lok Sabha by this extended deadline.
Opposition’s Stand on the Bill
Opposition leaders have expressed strong reservations about the proposed amendments, emphasizing the historical significance of the Waqf system in aiding underprivileged communities.
- Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad:
Prasad highlighted the critical role Waqf properties play in providing education, food, clothing, and livelihoods to poor children.”Countless poor children benefit from Waqf… Any interference with Waqf properties will not be tolerated,” Prasad said.He accused the BJP of having questionable intentions regarding Waqf properties and vowed to oppose any amendment perceived as harmful to the system.
Proposed Reforms in the Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to introduce significant reforms, including:
- Digitization of Records: Aiming for better management and transparency of Waqf properties.
- Stricter Audits: Ensuring accountability in the management of Waqf assets.
- Legal Mechanisms: Facilitating the reclamation of illegally occupied Waqf properties.
Next Steps
The Lok Sabha has already adopted a motion to extend the time for presenting the JPC’s report. The report is now expected to be tabled by the last day of the Budget Session in 2025.
Implications
The debate around the Waqf Amendment Bill underscores the political sensitivity of reforms related to religious and community-managed properties. With strong opposition from various parties, the BJP faces a significant challenge in building consensus for the proposed amendments.