Waqf Bill: Oppn MPs Boycott JPC Meeting, Claim Allegations Made Against Karnataka Govt, Mallikarjun Kharge

Opposition MPs boycotted the JPC meeting on the Waqf Bill, alleging the committee deviated from its principles with a presentation that included accusations against the Karnataka government and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge

Opposition MPs on Monday staged a boycott of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, accusing the committee of straying from its principles. The boycott was sparked by a presentation given by Anwar Manippadi, former Chairman of the Karnataka State Minorities Commission and Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation, which the MPs claimed deviated from the discussion on the Waqf Bill.

According to the opposition members, Anwar Manippadi's presentation included unwarranted allegations against the Karnataka Government and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, news agency ANI reported. They argued that these comments were not relevant to the committee’s agenda. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant criticised the proceedings, stating, "We have boycotted because the committee is not functioning with the principles and norms of the committee. Ethically and principally they are wrong."

Opposition MP To Approach Lok Sabha Speaker Over Functioning Of JPC

The opposition MPs also announced their intention to raise their concerns with the Lok Sabha Speaker, seeking a resolution to their grievances regarding the functioning of the JPC on the Waqf Bill.

Earlier in the day, Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, along with his father Hari Shankar Jain and their team, attended the meeting at the Parliament Annexe to record their presentation before the JPC, ANI reported.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was initially introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8 and subsequently referred to a JPC following a heated debate. The committee, tasked with refining the proposed amendments, has been engaging in a series of informal consultations with various stakeholders, concluding on October 1. These consultations are aimed at enhancing the bill’s provisions, which include digitisation, stricter audits, transparency measures, and legal frameworks to reclaim illegally occupied Waqf properties.

The Waqf Act, originally established in 1995 to oversee the management of over 600,000 registered Waqf properties across India, has faced criticism over allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The proposed amendments in the 2024 bill aim to address these issues through comprehensive reforms.

The JPC is expected to submit its report to the Lok Sabha by the last day of the first week of the upcoming parliamentary session.