Parliamentary panel approves BJP-led NDA’s amendments to Waqf Bill, rejects Opp’s proposals

New Delhi: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) reviewing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Monday, January 27, approved all amendments proposed by BJP-led NDA members while rejecting every amendment suggested by opposition members.

JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal told reporters after the meeting that the amendments adopted by the committee would improve and strengthen the law.

However, opposition MPs criticised the meeting’s proceedings, accusing Pal of undermining the democratic process during the approval of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

“It was a farcical exercise. We were not heard. Pal acted in a dictatorial manner,” said Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee.

Pal dismissed these allegations, asserting that the process was democratic and that the majority view prevailed.

Among the significant amendments adopted by the committee is a change that eliminates the provision allowing Waqf properties to be contested on the grounds of “Waqf by user,” as long as the properties are being used for religious purposes.

Pal confirmed that amendments to 14 clauses proposed by NDA members were accepted, while hundreds of amendments submitted by opposition members for all 44 clauses were voted down.

Opposition MPs expressed outrage, claiming their inputs were disregarded during the proceedings.

TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee accused the chairman of pre-deciding the outcomes, saying, “They refused to let us speak or discuss amendments clause by clause. Rules and procedures were completely ignored. This is a bad day for democracy.”

DMK MP A Raja also criticized the process. “We were promised documents from stakeholders who deposed before the committee during its tours in Lucknow, Patna, and Kolkata. These documents were supposed to be supplied within seven days, but we still haven’t received them. Without reviewing the evidence, how can clause-by-clause consideration proceed?,” PTI quoted him as saying.

He further alleged that Pal presented, counted votes, and announced the results himself, saying, “What happened today was a complete mockery. The chairman acted as the proposer, counter, and announcer all at once.”