The report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill sparked uproar in Parliament over accusations of dissent notes removal. Union Ministers denied these claims, asserting that discussions were accurately reflected in the report. A corrigendum was submitted to amend the report, yet tensions remained high as the Opposition protested against perceived injustices. Speaker and Chairman made statements regarding proper procedural conduct amidst the chaos.
The Joint Committee on The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024’s report sparked significant disturbances in Parliament. The Opposition accused the government of removing dissent notes from the report, leading to fierce debates. In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the Opposition could include any issues they found relevant, pending the Speaker’s approval.
During the Rajya Sabha session, BJP MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni submitted a corrigendum addressing redacted notes from the report’s Appendix 5. This action was met with criticism from opposition members, who claimed it validated their assertion that misleading information was presented earlier. The morning session was interrupted by uproar, resulting in temporary adjournment.
Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the omission of dissent remarks from the report, labeling it as anti-democratic. He appealed to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to reject the report entirely, highlighting that opinions from non-stakeholders were ignored. Dhankhar chastised protesting MPs for their conduct, suggesting they should exhibit better manners.
Kharge defended the Opposition’s protests as legitimate, arguing they expressed concerns for a community facing injustice. Collaborating voices from the DMK and AAP further emphasized this sentiment, countering the government’s actions. Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed the Opposition’s claims as false and misleading, asserting the report comprehensively reflected committee discussions.
Rijiju’s statements led to a remark from Dhankhar, who observed efforts to disrupt parliamentary functions. He noted that if Rijiju reiterated that dissent wasn’t excluded, members should adhere to parliamentary procedures for dispute resolution. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also supported the government’s position by accusing the Opposition of creating confusion during the session.
During the Lok Sabha session, committee chairman Jagdambika Pal presented the report amidst protests from Congress, TMC, and SP MPs. Opposition members voiced discontent vocally, while some stood in protest at their seats. Shah reiterated his party’s openness to discussing pertinent concerns with the Speaker’s consent.
Speaker Om Birla mentioned that feedback from committee members had been incorporated into the report’s annexures. In response to the unfolding chaos, the Opposition staged a brief walkout before reentering the chamber. Shortly thereafter, AAP’s Owaisi chose not to join the walkout, highlighting differing strategies within the opposition ranks.
In the Rajya Sabha’s subsequent session, Rijiju faced accusations of misleading the assembly from the Opposition, while Dhankhar acknowledged the government’s submission of the corrigendum. He expressed appreciation for responsiveness to parliamentary concerns, encouraging adherence to legal frameworks in future disputes. Despite opposition claims of pressure influencing the government’s actions, Dhankhar maintained a positive outlook on parliamentary engagement.
The recent parliamentary debates surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill highlighted significant tensions between the government and Opposition parties. The dissent notes redacted from the report led to accusations of misleading Parliament. However, the introduction of a corrigendum seemed to address some concerns raised. Both sides engaged in fervent exchanges, with calls for better parliamentary conduct and adherence to procedural norms taking center stage.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
