On Friday, January 24, 2024, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 was marred by chaos, leading to the suspension of 10 opposition MPs for a day. The disruptions in the meeting were a result of increasing tensions between the opposition parties and the ruling government, which have plagued the proceedings of the committee on this crucial piece of legislation. The suspended MPs include key opposition figures such as Kalyan Banerjee from the Trinamool Congress, Asaduddin Owaisi from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), A Raja from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and several others. These MPs were accused of causing disorder and obstructing the committee’s work through their unruly conduct.
The situation unfolded after an intense and heated exchange during the discussions on the bill, with the opposition accusing the chairman of the committee, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, of conducting the meeting in an undemocratic and authoritarian manner. Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, one of the most vocal critics, expressed his frustration at the way the committee was handling the proceedings, accusing Pal of ignoring opposition voices and pushing the agenda without considering their concerns. Banerjee said that they had repeatedly requested to postpone the meeting to January 30 and 31, but their requests were dismissed, and the subject of the meeting was suddenly altered. “When we landed in Delhi last night, the subject of the meeting was changed. Initially, we were informed that the meeting would proceed clause by clause. What is happening inside feels like an undeclared emergency,” he remarked, emphasizing that the government was rushing through the discussion in the lead-up to the Delhi elections. According to Banerjee, the hasty nature of the meeting seemed politically motivated, aimed at speeding up the bill’s passage for electoral advantages, thus undermining the democratic process.
Banerjee also went on to accuse Chairman Pal of conducting the session with a “jamindari” approach, likening his treatment of the opposition to a feudal ruler. "The chairman doesn’t listen to anyone; it feels like 'jamindari.' They show no respect for opposition members. This JPC has become a farce," Banerjee said. These strong words reflected the deep discontent felt within the opposition ranks, as they felt sidelined in the committee’s deliberations. Opposition members have also criticized the government for pushing the bill without sufficient discussion and for allegedly altering the procedure in a manner that bypasses proper parliamentary scrutiny. They believe that the bill’s provisions, which are aimed at reforming the Waqf property management system, would grant the government significant control over religious properties, which they fear could be used for political purposes.
In contrast, BJP MPs, including Nishikant Dubey, defended the committee's proceedings, arguing that the opposition's disruptive behavior was an attempt to derail the legislative process. Dubey moved the motion to suspend the opposition MPs for their unruly conduct during the session, and the motion was passed. BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi condemned the opposition’s behavior, particularly accusing them of using “unparliamentary language” against the JPC chairman. Sarangi stated that while the BJP was in favor of holding meaningful discussions, the opposition could not continue to obstruct the process with constant disruptions. “Opposition leaders led by Kalyan Banerjee used very unparliamentary language against the JPC chairperson Jagdambika Pal, a very senior leader. We condemn this. We want the meeting to be held, but at the same time, the JPC cannot continue till eternity,” Sarangi remarked, adding that the opposition’s conduct was "disgusting" and a hindrance to the effective functioning of Parliament.
The tensions during the meeting caused a brief adjournment, allowing tempers to cool before the session resumed. Despite the adjournment, the tension between the two sides remained palpable. During the resumed meeting, the Mirwaiz-led delegation presented their views on the bill, and the opposition MPs, led by Kalyan Banerjee and Congress MP Naseer Hussain, staged a walkout, accusing the committee of turning into a “farce.” Their walkout was a clear sign of their disapproval of the proceedings, and they made it clear to reporters that they felt the committee was being manipulated for political gains.
This incident is not the first time the JPC meeting on the Waqf Amendment Bill has faced disruption. In October 2023, there was a violent confrontation between Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee and BJP MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay, which led to a physical altercation. During that meeting, Banerjee smashed a glass bottle and threw it towards the committee chair, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, leading to Banerjee sustaining injuries. The altercation, which was widely condemned, highlighted the increasingly volatile atmosphere surrounding the discussions on the bill and raised questions about the ability of the committee to conduct its work in a professional and orderly manner.
The Waqf Amendment Bill itself has been a subject of intense debate. The bill aims to overhaul the management of Waqf properties in India, which are properties held in trust for religious and charitable purposes. The government argues that the reforms are necessary to streamline the administration of these properties and improve transparency in their management. However, the opposition has expressed concerns that the bill could give the government excessive control over religious institutions and properties, potentially undermining their autonomy. The opposition fears that the bill is part of a broader effort to politicize religious affairs and gain greater influence over religious organizations, which could be used to benefit the ruling party in elections.
As the parliamentary session progresses, the ongoing disruptions in the JPC meetings suggest that the Waqf Amendment Bill will continue to be a flashpoint for political battles between the ruling BJP and opposition parties. The behavior of MPs from both sides has raised concerns about the decorum of parliamentary proceedings and the ability of lawmakers to engage in constructive debates. With the political stakes high, particularly in light of the upcoming Delhi elections, the bill's passage is likely to remain a contentious issue, with both sides accusing each other of using it for political advantage. The future of the Waqf Amendment Bill, and the ability of the JPC to effectively debate and refine it, remains uncertain as tensions continue to escalate in the halls of Parliament.
