In a tense turn of events on Tuesday, several opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) staged a walkout from a meeting of the joint committee on the Waqf Bill, citing derogatory remarks made against them by a BJP member. The incident occurred during a presentation from representatives of the Ministry of Minority Affairs regarding the proposed legislation.
Prominent opposition figures, including Kalyan Banerjee, Gaurav Gogoi, A. Raja, Mohamed Abdulla, and Arvind Sawant, expressed their discontent over the alleged comments and left the meeting in protest. After a nearly hour-long absence, the opposition members chose to rejoin the proceedings, indicating that tensions within the committee remain unresolved.
In contrast, BJP members countered the accusations, asserting that the opposition MPs were verbally abusing the committee chairman, Jagadambika Pal. This assertion adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught discussions surrounding the Waqf Bill.
This walkout marks the second consecutive day of discord within the parliamentary panel, highlighting ongoing differences among committee members as they seek to navigate the contentious legislative process. The Waqf Bill, which aims to reform the management of Waqf properties, has been a focal point of debate, with various stakeholders voicing concerns over its implications for minority rights and governance.
As the situation develops, further details are anticipated, and the committee’s ability to reach a consensus on the bill remains uncertain. The unfolding drama underscores the growing tensions in the parliamentary environment as members from different political backgrounds grapple with complex legislative issues.
