Members of the opposition, frustrated with what they described as a lack of transparency and due process, have taken their grievances beyond the committee room
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – The tabling of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the upcoming winter session of Parliament starting Monday (November 25) has sparked intense political debate, with opposition parties accusing the government of rushing the legislative process. The opposition has called for an extension of the tenure of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), citing inadequate time to study the proposed amendments and a lack of consultation with key stakeholders.
The controversy escalated during the committee’s final meeting, chaired by Jagdambika Pal, where opposition members raised concerns over his “stubbornness and arbitrariness.” The session, intended to finalise and distribute the amendment draft, was marked by heated protests from opposition lawmakers, who demanded additional time for review.
Members of the opposition, frustrated with what they described as a lack of transparency and due process, took their grievances beyond the committee room. Some reportedly reached out to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging his intervention to address the issue.
“The chairman has shown complete disregard for our concerns. This is a critical piece of legislation affecting millions, and it cannot be steamrolled without proper scrutiny,” said one opposition member on the condition of anonymity.
Concerns over the committee’s functioning have been brewing for some time. The opposition criticised Pal’s recent decision to organise visits to five states to gather input on the bill, alleging that these trips were hastily planned and did not include consultations with relevant stakeholders. After visits to Guwahati and Bhubaneswar, the remaining visits were abruptly cancelled, reportedly due to opposition pressure.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, listed among the legislative items for parliament’s winter session has already drawn sharp criticism from various national organisations. Many groups, particularly those representing Muslim communities, have rejected the bill outright, deeming it “highly controversial and completely unacceptable.”
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju added to the controversy by asserting that the bill would be passed “in any case” during the winter session. He also confirmed that the JPC had been directed to submit its report before the beginning of the session.
Rijiju’s comments have further fuelled opposition concerns about the government’s intent to bypass extensive deliberations. “This is not just a procedural issue; it reflects a broader attempt to undermine democratic norms and suppress dissenting voices,” said a senior opposition leader.
Critics of the Waqf Amendment Bill have accused the JPC of excluding crucial perspectives from its discussions. Jagdambika Pal’s decision to summon individuals “with no direct connection to waqf properties” has been particularly contentious. Opposition members have argued that the voices of Muslims, who are directly impacted by waqf regulations, have been ignored despite widespread public opposition to the bill.
A spokesperson for a national Muslim organisation called the bill “an affront to the constitutional rights of minorities” and warned of large-scale protests if the legislation proceeds without adequate consultation.
The opposition’s discontent with Pal’s leadership has reached a crescendo, with some members openly questioning his impartiality. “The chairman’s approach has been anything but collaborative. His refusal to grant additional time for review shows a blatant disregard for parliamentary norms,” said an opposition MP.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups have highlighted the potential consequences of pushing through the Bill without addressing the concerns of affected communities. “The waqf system plays a vital role in supporting social and religious institutions for Muslims across the country. Any attempt to alter its framework without consensus risks alienating a significant section of the population,” said a civil rights activist.
The controversy over the Bill has set the stage for a contentious parliamentary showdown. The government’s insistence on fast-tracking the legislation has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum, raising questions about the broader implications for democratic governance in India.
As the deadline for the JPC report looms, the opposition’s demand for extended deliberations remains unanswered. Whether their concerns will be addressed in the coming days is uncertain, but the issue has already cast a shadow over the legislative agenda for the winter session.
The outcome of this debate will not only determine the fate of the Waqf Amendment Bill but also signal the government’s commitment to inclusivity and fairness in policymaking. “Rushing this bill through parliament without addressing fundamental objections would be a grave disservice to the democratic process,” said an opposition leader.
For now, all eyes are on the JPC, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and the government’s next moves as the clock ticks down to 25 November.