New Delhi: A heated debate erupted in Parliament on Thursday over the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which was presented by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The opposition accused the central government of attempting to seize Waqf properties through this bill and alleged that their dissenting notes had been deliberately removed from the JPC report, terming it an undemocratic and unconstitutional move.

Uproar in Rajya Sabha and Suspension of Proceedings

As soon as BJP MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni presented the report in the Rajya Sabha, the opposition staged a strong protest, leading to a commotion in the House. Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that several dissenting notes from MPs had been excluded from the JPC report, which he described as an undemocratic act. He insisted that the report be sent back to the JPC to reinstate the missing dissenting notes before being reintroduced in Parliament.

Kharge further warned, "If the government is seizing Waqf properties today, the same could happen to temples, gurdwaras, and churches tomorrow. We will not tolerate this injustice." He emphasized that a democratic process must include all viewpoints and declared that the House would not accept a "fabricated report."

Rajya Sabha Speaker Jagdeep Dhankhar attempted to restore order but failed to control the uproar. Frustrated by the persistent protests, he adjourned the session. When proceedings resumed, the opposition continued its agitation, prompting Dhankhar to caution them about maintaining "basic decorum." The opposition, however, accused the government of ignoring democratic principles.

Protests and Walkout in Lok Sabha

A similar uproar occurred in the Lok Sabha when the JPC report was presented. JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal tabled the report while chanting "Bharat Mata Ki Jai," further infuriating the opposition.

Opposition MPs met with Speaker Om Birla to file a complaint, arguing that their dissenting notes had been deliberately removed or edited, equating it to censorship. While the Speaker assured them that the dissenting notes were included, the opposition claimed that they had been altered. In protest, opposition parties staged a walkout from the House.

Exchange Between Kiren Rijiju and the Opposition

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju defended the report, asserting that "nothing has been removed, and the opposition is misleading the House." However, Congress MP Nasir Hussain refuted this claim, stating, "My dissenting note was not included in the report, despite it being available in the public domain. This is a fabricated report, and it must be retracted."

The Trinamool Congress also joined the protest, arguing that "this is not just a religious issue but a constitutional one. The deliberate removal of dissenting notes is an unconstitutional act and a direct attack on free expression."

Amit Shah’s Response

Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded to the opposition’s concerns, saying, "Include whatever you want; we have no objections." However, the opposition dismissed his statement as insufficient and continued to demand a transparent and revised JPC report.

Political Showdown Over Waqf (Amendment) Bill

The contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill has ignited a major political confrontation in Parliament. While the opposition claims it is an attempt to seize Waqf properties, the government maintains that the bill is being handled as per due process. With parliamentary disruptions, session adjournments, and opposition walkouts, tensions surrounding the bill are expected to escalate in the coming days.