The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) reviewing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has cleared all amendments proposed by the BJP-led NDA members, rejecting every suggestion made by the opposition. The decision was announced on Monday after a clause-by-clause review of the bill.
JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal defended the process, stating that the amendments adopted would strengthen the legislation. “The committee held a democratic clause-by-clause review. Opposition members presented their amendments but the majority view prevailed. These changes will lead to a better, more effective bill,” Pal told reporters after the meeting.
However, opposition leaders expressed outrage, accusing the chairman and the ruling party of suppressing their voices. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee criticized the process, calling it “dictatorial.”
“This was a farcical exercise. Our voices were silenced, and no meaningful discussion was allowed. The amendments were passed without considering our inputs. It’s a dark day for democracy,” Banerjee said.
Another opposition member accused the ruling party of bulldozing its agenda, claiming, “We wanted a thorough discussion clause-by-clause, but the JPC chairperson ignored all procedures. It was predetermined.”
Among the significant changes in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, the JPC reportedly approved the removal of the contentious provision that allowed the legitimacy of Waqf properties to be questioned on the grounds of ‘Waqf by user,’ provided the properties are being used for religious purposes.
Chairman Pal dismissed the opposition’s allegations, reiterating that the process adhered to democratic principles. “The amendments were moved, discussed, and adopted as per parliamentary procedures,” he said.