Opposition MPs Walk Out of Waqf Bill Committee Meeting Over Derogatory Remarks
New Delhi: Tensions escalated in the joint committee meeting on the Waqf Bill on Tuesday, October 15, as several opposition MPs staged a walkout, alleging derogatory remarks made by a BJP member. Key figures in the opposition, including Kalyan Banerjee, Gaurav Gogoi, A Raja, Mohamed Abdulla, and Arvind Sawant, left the parliamentary panel’s meeting during a presentation from representatives of the Ministry of Minority Affairs regarding the bill.
After approximately an hour’s absence, the opposition members rejoined the meeting, but not before accusing BJP members of abusing the committee’s chairman, Jagadambika Pal. This incident marks the second consecutive day that opposition MPs have walked out amid ongoing disagreements.
Previously, the opposition had formally requested the Lok Sabha speaker to remove the committee chairman and sought a meeting to address their concerns. They have expressed that a presentation by Anwar Manippadi, former chairman of the Karnataka Minorities Commission, was not relevant to the Waqf Amendment Bill itself.
Overview of the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024
The Waqf Amendment Bill aims to enhance the management and evaluation of Waqf properties. Key provisions include:
- Registration Requirement: Waqf properties must be registered with the district collector’s office for evaluation.
- Authority Determination: The district collector will have the final say on whether a property is classified as Waqf or government land. This classification will update revenue records and be reported to the state government.
- Appeals Process: Disputes regarding Waqf board decisions can now be appealed in high courts.
- Documentation Standards: The bill proposes eliminating provisions that allowed properties to be recognized as Waqf based solely on oral declarations or disputes. A valid waqfnama will be necessary for recognition; without it, properties will be considered suspect or disputed until the district collector makes a determination.
The ongoing discussions and disagreements surrounding the Waqf Bill highlight the complexities and sensitivities involved in managing Waqf properties in India.
