BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who heads the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, on Monday reprimanded Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee for making public statements on the matter instead of addressing the committee. Pal’s criticism followed a viral video in which Banerjee allegedly claimed that “any location where Muslims offer namaz would automatically be considered a Waqf property,” sparking further controversy.
Speaking about the matter, Pal expressed his displeasure, stating, “Kalyan Banerjee is a member of the JPC, and he should keep his views before us and not give statements outside.” The BJP leader’s remarks were a direct response to Banerjee’s comments, which were made outside the parliamentary forum and have fueled further debate on the contentious Waqf Bill.
The controversy surrounding the Waqf Bill deepened with the West Bengal government’s decision to bring a motion in the state assembly opposing the bill. Pal condemned this move, calling it an “attack” on both parliamentary democracy and the constitutional principles of India. He emphasized that such actions undermine the democratic process and the functioning of legislative bodies.
Pal also defended the JPC’s actions, saying that the committee had made considerable efforts to engage all stakeholders. “In the last three months, we held 29 meetings and heard more than 147 delegations. We have given opportunities to all organizations as per our mandate,” he stated. The BJP leader added that he had personally listened to all opposition members, including Kalyan Banerjee, Sanjay Singh, and Asaduddin Owaisi, addressing their concerns and opinions.
The opposition members of the JPC had walked out of a meeting on November 27, demanding that several state Waqf boards still waiting to be heard should have the opportunity to voice their opinions. They also requested an extension of the committee’s tenure, which was set to expire on November 29. Pal responded to the opposition’s concerns, suggesting that boycotting meetings was not the right approach and that all voices had been considered during the ongoing deliberations.
As the debate continues, the Waqf Amendment Bill remains a focal point of tension between the government and opposition, with the issue of Waqf properties and their management taking center stage in the national discourse.
