National: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju convened a crucial meeting with NDA MPs at his residence in New Delhi on January 27, ahead of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) discussions on the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024.
Prominent attendees included JPC chairperson Jagdambika Pal and BJP MPs such as Dilip Saikia, Aparajita Sarangi, Sanjay Jaiswal, Nishikant Dubey, Arun Bharati, Naresh Mhaske, and Sudha Kulkarni.
The meeting aimed to strategize for the upcoming JPC session, where clause-by-clause deliberations on the Waqf Amendment Bill are scheduled.
Rijiju emphasized the importance of unity among NDA members in addressing the challenges posed by the opposition.
This directive follows the heated disruptions during the previous JPC session, which prompted a focus on ensuring order in the proceedings.
According to Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske, the meeting also served as a platform for NDA leaders to discuss strategies amid growing opposition protests.
Mhaske accused opposition parties, including AIMIM, Congress, and AAP, of engaging in theatrics to appeal to minority communities.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, has drawn significant controversy, with both ruling and opposition members submitting 444 amendment notices.
The bill seeks to reform the regulation and management of Waqf properties but has faced criticism from opposition parties, citing concerns over federalism and constitutional provisions.
The JPC meeting, held later in the day, descended into chaos as 10 opposition MPs, including Asaduddin Owaisi and Kalyan Banerjee, were suspended for a day.
The suspension, proposed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, also included Imran Masood, Arvind Sawant, Nasir Hussain, A Raja, Mohibullah Nadvi, MM Abdullah, Nadeemul Haq, and Mohammad Javed.
The opposition strongly opposed the introduction of the bill, raising objections over its potential impact on minority rights and governance.
Despite the disruptions, the government is pushing forward with the bill, underscoring its commitment to addressing longstanding challenges in Waqf property management.
The debate over the Waqf Amendment Bill continues to polarize political parties, reflecting the contentious nature of the proposed reforms.
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