Opposition Slams Waqf Bill, Calls JPC Report “Biased” and “One-Sided”

Tensions erupted in Parliament as opposition parties strongly condemned the Waqf Bill and the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report, accusing it of being biased and neglecting their inputs.

Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain labeled the bill as “skewed” and criticized the JPC for procedural lapses, alleging the exclusion of stakeholders, lack of consideration for dissenting opinions, and overlooking crucial discussions. He further claimed the report solely reflected the ruling party’s viewpoint.

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari echoed similar sentiments, stating that the report disregarded opposition suggestions, becoming merely a tool for the government’s agenda. DMK MP M.M. Mohamed Abdullah criticized the rushed process, highlighting the dismissal of opposition amendments and expressing concerns about potential targeting of other religious properties in the future.

JMM leader Mahua Maji raised concerns about government encroachment on religious properties, warning that the trend could extend beyond Waqf land, impacting institutions like Gurudwaras and churches.

While opposition leaders expressed apprehension, Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Rajkumar Sangwan defended the JPC’s inclusivity, claiming it incorporated diverse opinions. He argued the bill aims to address illegal occupation of Waqf properties, accusing opposition parties of aligning with criminal elements benefiting from this illegal control. Sangwan further alleged that the opposition’s disruption tactics aim to obstruct Parliament’s functioning.

Both houses of Parliament witnessed heated exchanges between NDA and opposition MPs, leading to adjournments following the tabling of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, report.

This incident highlights the contentious nature of the Waqf Bill, raising questions about religious freedom, government oversight, and procedural fairness.