AMN / NEW DELHI

Ten opposition MPs have been suspended from today’s meeting of the Joint Committee of Parliament on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 following a ruckus.

Sources said they include Kalyan Banerjee of TMC, A Raja of DMK, Congress MPs Nasir Hussain and Imran Masood as well as Mohibullah of Samajwadi Party. Later, BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi questioned the opposition members for their conduct in the meeting. She alleged that Mr Banerjee used unparliamentary language against panel Chairperson Jagdambika Pal. On the other hand, Mr. Banerjee said the subject of the meeting was changed. He alleged that they are trying to hurry things up in view of the Delhi elections. He also criticised the Chairman. The JPC comprises 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to bring significant reforms, including digitisation of records, stricter audits, increased transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied Waqf properties. The Bill is aimed at reforming the management and regulation of Waqf properties across the country.