Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – A heated argument between members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Bill turned physical, leaving Kalyan Banerjee, Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament, injured. The clash reportedly occurred between Banerjee and BJP leader Abhijeet Gangopadhyay during a meeting convened to discuss matters related to the Waqf Bill.
The JPC meeting was discussing sensitive issues of Waqf Board’s management, functioning, and regulations when the argument started. What started as a verbal disagreement quickly escalated into a physical altercation.
Banerjee smashed a glass water bottle and threw it away during a heated exchange of words with BJP’s Gangopadhyay. In the process, Banerjee hurt his thumb and index finger and had to be given first aid. He was seen being escorted back to the meeting room by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and AAP leader Sanjay Singh, a PTI report said.
Banerjee was reportedly suspended for one day from the parliamentary committee on Waqf for unruly conduct.
The committee, chaired by BJP’s Jagdambika Pal, was listening to the views of a group of retired judges and lawyers when the opposition members questioned their stake in the bill.
Witnesses claim that the dispute arose when conflicting views were expressed regarding the management and utilisation of Waqf properties. The TMC MP reportedly took issue with comments made by Gangopadhyay, which led to a heated exchange. The debate spiralled out of control, and the situation became physical.
The incident has sparked reactions across political lines, with the TMC strongly condemning the attack on its MP.
According to media reports, the party has demanded strict action against Gangopadhyay, calling for accountability and a thorough investigation into the matter. TMC leaders have accused the BJP of resorting to violence to suppress opposition voices, particularly when it comes to critical issues like the Waqf Bill
