New Delhi [India]: Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) walked out of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on Wednesday, citing dissatisfaction over the committee’s handling of the draft report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. They alleged that key stakeholders had not been heard and demanded an extension of the JPC’s tenure, as the report is set to be tabled in the Lok Sabha on November 29.
Opposition Criticism Over Process
After leaving the meeting, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi expressed concern over procedural lapses.
“The mandate is that the report should be given on the 29th (of November). How can we give it? There is a procedure that must be followed, which has not been done. Most importantly, this committee hasn’t visited Bihar or West Bengal. There are many stakeholders we want to be heard. Why is this committee not allowing all the stakeholders to participate?” Owaisi said.
AAP MP Sanjay Singh also criticized the timeline for submitting the report.
“Until the report is finalised, all stakeholders are heard, and the JPC tour is completed, submitting a draft report is wrong. The Speaker had assured us that he would extend the JPC’s timeline… Yet, side-lining all these issues, you claim the draft report is ready for submission. The Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh governments have not been heard,” Singh stated.
TMC, Congress Allegations
Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee accused the committee of bias, saying,
“The fundamental issue is this: only those associated with or close to the BJP were brought in, and days have been wasted. States with the largest Waqf properties, including Delhi, were not called. Seven people have died in Sambhal over Waqf property issues, yet they are not taking these matters seriously.”
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi alleged undue influence and procedural flaws in the JPC’s operations.
“We raised two important questions: the assurances given by the Speaker (Lok Sabha) are not being fulfilled by the (JPC) chairman. There seems to be no balance between the government and the Speaker. I believe some senior Union minister is directing the chairman (of the JPC). Secondly, the process is incomplete. The chairman claims the report is ready, but we do not wish to be part of a biased procedure,” Gogoi said.
YSRCP Member Voices Concern
YSRCP MP Vijay Sai Reddy added that the committee would not be able to complete its proceedings by the stipulated deadline.
“Before the agenda item was taken up for consideration, a significant number of members, particularly non-BJP members, requested the chairman (JPC) to extend the stipulated timeline. By the 29th (of November), the JPC will not be in a position to complete the proceedings. Many state Waqf boards and stakeholders have not been given the opportunity to present their views,” Reddy explained.
JPC’s Stand on the Bill
JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal stated earlier that the draft report was ready and clause-by-clause discussions would be held. He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to adhering to the Speaker’s directives.
“Our report is ready, and we will hold clause-by-clause discussions on it. The Opposition is also seeking an extension of the JPC’s tenure… Any member or Opposition MP is free to meet the Speaker. The Speaker has referred this bill to us, and we will follow his decision,” Pal said.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to introduce comprehensive reforms, including digitization, stricter audits, enhanced transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.