Heated exchange in JPC meeting over Waqf Bill: Opposition accuses govt's intention to necessity of bill

The heated exchanges took place on a day officials of Ministry of Minority Affairs presented oral evidence on the Waqf Bill.

The committee is chaired by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal.

Some opposition members accused the government of bringing the bill for political reasons and alleged that it was aimed at targeting Muslim community. They also raised questions over "urgency" concerning the legislation.

Sources said AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi gave a nearly one-hour presentation to the JPC, highlighting "the flaws" in the bill. There were verbal clashes between him and BJP members.

Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee is learnt to asked whether Waqf, "which exists in the name of Allah" is legally recognized by the state.

The meetings of the panel have seen the opposition members and representatives of BJP and its allies engaging in verbal duels.

BJP members have defended the bill, arguing it was necessary for "reforming Waqf property management and ensuring transparency".

The Waqf Joint Parliamentary Committee has held 15 meetings in held in Delhi, while 5 meetings have been held in other cities.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks to bring reforms, introducing digitisation, stricter audits, transparency and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.

The JPC is holding a series of meetings to gather input from government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members and community representatives from different states and Union Territories, aiming for the most comprehensive reform possible.

The committee will also meet tomorrow. The committee will hear views and suggestions of Justice in Reality, Cuttack, Odisha and Panchasakha Prachar Cuttack, Odisha.

A delegation of five MPs from the Indian Union Muslim League(IUML) will also record their views/suggestions on the 'Waqf (Amendment) 2024' before the committee. (ANI)