10 Opposition MPs Face Suspension for Disrupting Waqf Bill Debate in Parliamentary Committee
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Synopsis
The Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting on the Waqf Amendment Bill turned chaotic as opposition MPs faced suspension for disrupting discussions. Allegations emerged regarding insufficient time to review the Bill, leading to heated exchanges and a demand for more deliberation.
Key Takeaways
- 10 opposition MPs suspended during Waqf Bill discussions.
- Concerns raised over insufficient time to review the Bill.
- Mirwaiz Umar Farooq opposes government intervention in religious matters.
- Opposition demands postponement for detailed discussions.
- Accusations of unparliamentary language and undemocratic behavior.
New Delhi, Jan 24 (NationPress) The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) discussion regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill became tumultuous on Friday, resulting in the suspension of several opposition MPs for the entire day due to a heated exchange. This incident occurred during the deliberations on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.
At the same time, the opposition members contended that they were not allotted adequate time to review the draft that was up for discussion.
The meeting, chaired by BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, was supposed to host a delegation led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from Kashmir. However, prior to this, the session was interrupted by opposition MPs who expressed their concerns about “the haste with which the government aimed to pass the bill,” particularly in light of the approaching Delhi Assembly elections.
As the situation escalated, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey suggested that 10 opposition MPs be suspended for the day, a proposal that the panel accepted.
The suspended members included Kalyan Banerjee, Mohammad Javed, A. Raja, Asaduddin Owaisi, Nasir Hussain, Mohibullah, M. Abdullah, Arvind Sawant, Nadimul Haque, and Imran Masood. Dubey accused the opposition of employing unparliamentary language and attempting to stifle the majority's voice.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who appeared before the committee post-suspension, voiced his strong disapproval of the Waqf Amendment Bill, emphasizing that the government should refrain from intervening in religious issues. Farooq further expressed hopes that their suggestions would be considered and acted upon, ensuring that Muslims do not feel marginalized by any prospective changes.
Before their suspension, opposition MPs, including Kalyan Banerjee from TMC and Congress’s Syed Nasir Hussain, exited the meeting, labeling the proceedings a “farce.” They called for the meeting to be rescheduled to January 30 or 31 for a comprehensive, clause-by-clause discussion.
Banerjee described the atmosphere as akin to an “undeclared emergency,” claiming that the chairman was disregarding input from members.
Dubey, on the other hand, asserted that the opposition’s actions were contrary to parliamentary customs and their attempts to disrupt the meeting were disrespectful to democratic principles.
Arvind Sawant, a Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, criticized the “hasty management” of such a significant Bill, warning that it could potentially incite unrest across the country. He questioned the urgency with which the Bill was being expedited through the committee process when it warranted thorough discussion.
