Fri Jan 24 14:22:50 IST 2025: **New Delhi, January 24, 2025:** The parliamentary committee reviewing the Waqf Amendment Bill witnessed heated clashes today, leading to the suspension of ten opposition members. The meeting, chaired by BJP member Jagdambika Pal, was disrupted by opposition claims of insufficient time to review the bill’s proposed changes, accusations of the BJP pushing for rapid approval ahead of Delhi elections, and ultimately the walkout of some members.
A delegation led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the religious head of Kashmir, appeared before the committee to voice strong opposition to the bill. Farooq, in his first trip outside Kashmir since the revocation of Article 370, expressed concern that the bill would disempower Muslims and further heighten tensions in the already sensitive region. He presented a detailed memorandum outlining his concerns and called for government non-interference in religious matters.
Trinamool Congress member Kalyan Banerjee and Congress member Naseer Hussain called the proceedings a “farce” and demanded a postponement of further discussions. BJP member Nishikant Dubey criticized the opposition’s conduct as unparliamentary. The committee has adjourned, with further discussions scheduled for a later date.
First Piper 