Opposition MPs Protest “Autocratic” Waqf Bill Amendments, Citing Lack of Debate

Opposition MPs Protest Autocratic Waqf Bill Amendm

Eleven opposition members of Parliament (MPs) on the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 are protesting how the committee chairman handled recent changes to the bill. They claim that Chairman Jagdambika Pal acted unfairly by quickly accepting 14 amendments proposed by members of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday. This fast action, the opposition believes, prevented proper discussion and transparency, causing serious worries about the fairness of the process.

The opposition MPs expressed their strong disapproval of how the amendments were pushed through. They argued that the chairman did not give enough time for debate or consider different viewpoints within the committee. Consequently, they feel this action weakened the democratic process and gave the government too much control over the bill. They even compared the chairman to a painter, accusing him of helping the government “give a saffron color to this secular nation.” This strong statement shows how serious their concerns are about the bill’s potential impact.

These actions by the chairman have raised doubts about the integrity of the JPC process. The opposition MPs feel that the quick acceptance of amendments effectively silenced their voices and ignored their concerns. The main issue is that the process should be fair, open, and include all points of view. They want to make sure that the Waqf Amendment Bill reflects a broader agreement, not just the government’s perspective.

Moreover, this conflict could lead to further delays or difficulties in passing the bill. It also raises questions about the credibility of the JPC itself. One MP said, “The chairman is acting in an autocratic way, and that is not acceptable,” clearly demonstrating the depth of their frustration. This situation emphasizes the importance of fair and democratic procedures within the legislative system.

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