Mon Jan 27 23:42:00 UTC 2025: ## BJP Dominates Waqf Bill Amendments, Opposition Claims “Farcical” Process

**New Delhi** – The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) reviewing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has overwhelmingly approved amendments proposed by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), rejecting all opposition proposals. The NDA secured a 16-10 vote majority in all instances.

Key changes include the removal of the “Waqf by user” provision, which allowed challenges to Waqf property ownership. However, the amended bill stipulates that the properties must be used for religious purposes. Further amendments expand the appointment authority for Waqf officials to include state government officials and increase the number of Waqf tribunal members from two to three.

JPC chairman and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal hailed the amendments as improvements to the bill’s effectiveness. However, opposition members, notably TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, strongly criticized the process, calling it “farcical” and accusing Pal of dictatorial behavior and ignoring opposition voices. Banerjee claimed the opposition was not heard.

Pal rejected these accusations, asserting the process was democratic and the majority view prevailed. He noted that the NDA proposed amendments to 14 clauses, all of which were accepted, while all hundreds of opposition amendments across all 44 clauses were defeated.

BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi defended the process, highlighting the extensive deliberations across 34 sittings totaling over 108 hours, and consultations with over 284 stakeholders. She accused the opposition of disrupting the meeting.

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