Waqf JPC: Opposition Lawmakers Criticize Chairman's Autocracy
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Synopsis
Eleven Opposition MPs in the JPC criticized Chairman Jagdambika Pal's autocratic style and rushed acceptance of amendments by NDA members. They expressed concerns over transparency and protection of minority rights.
Key Takeaways
- Criticism of Chairman Jagdambika Pal's leadership style.
- Concerns over lack of transparency in the committee proceedings.
- Opposition MPs protest the hasty approval of NDA amendments.
- Call for public support to safeguard minority rights.
- Statement issued by prominent opposition leaders.
New Delhi, Jan 27 (NationPress) A group of eleven Opposition lawmakers in the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 expressed their discontent with the ‘autocratic’ conduct of Chairman Jagdambika Pal, highlighting his rapid acceptance of 14 amendments suggested by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) members.
The lawmakers, frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of transparency and meaningful discussion within the Committee, compared the Chairman to a painter who facilitates the Union government in painting this secular nation with ‘saffron color’ by wielding its overwhelming majority in Parliament.
In a collective statement, the Opposition MPs remarked, “As the committee reaches the conclusive phase of its deliberations, we, the opposition members, formally protested both the manner in which the proceedings were conducted by the chairman and the significant deviations from the established rules and procedures.”
Pointing out several instances where they felt deprived of the opportunity to review documents, the MPs emphasized the need to bring to light the blatant and egregious disregard exhibited by the Chairman in disseminating the details of the Committee's discussions.
Voicing their objections to the hurried nature of the panel’s proceedings on Monday, the MPs condemned the Chairman for proceeding with clause-by-clause evaluations without necessary documents or depositions.
“Disregarding our objections, the chairman unilaterally called upon the names of the sponsors of the amendments (submitted by us) and proceeded to introduce the amendments on our behalf, conducting head counts according to his own preferences. He then declared the rejection of our amendments, effectively undermining our genuine efforts to uphold the constitutional assurances provided to minorities,” the MPs stated.
The unilateral actions of the Chairman during the session underscored his role as a facilitator for the Union government in altering the secular identity of the nation through the use of its formidable majority in Parliament, the statement further elaborated.
The signatories of this statement include Kalyan Banerjee, Mohammad Jawed, A. Raja, Gaurav Gogoi, Asaduddin Owaisi, Syed Naseer Hussain, Mohibbullah, M. Abdullah, Arvind Sawant, Nadimul Haque, and Imran Masood.
Expressing their inability to halt these purported lapses within the Committee, the MPs urged the public to defend minority rights.
“We, the opposition members, call upon the citizens of India who uphold constitutional values to take a stand to safeguard the efforts and principles established by our forefathers Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar, Vallabhbhai Patel, and others in building a nation with secular credentials and to protect the rights of minorities, thereby ensuring social harmony across this subcontinent,” concluded their letter.
