Discussion on Waqf Amendment Bill: Diverse Political Stances Highlighted in JPC Meeting

Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – The ongoing deliberations around the Waqf Amendment Bill have sparked diverse reactions from political leaders, reflecting differing viewpoints on the bill's examination process. Union Minister and TDP leader Rammohan Naidu emphasized the importance of thorough debate on the bill, underscoring the democratic process followed by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). “We are the ones who called for an in-depth discussion on this,” Naidu remarked, urging the opposition to support the democratic approach.

Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill, Jagdambika Pal, assured that the committee would consult a wide range of stakeholders, including the Assam State Government, the Waqf Board, and High Court lawyers. Pal emphasized the government’s initiative to involve the JPC for maximum transparency and input on the amendment. “This is not a government committee; the Parliament gave this platform to MPs from all parties for robust debate,” Pal stated.

Contrastingly, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh criticized the JPC process, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attempting to bypass parliamentary traditions. “PM Modi is trying to pass the Waqf (Amendment) Bill without thorough JPC discussion, undermining rules and traditions,” Singh said, adding that the opposition’s boycott of the tour casts doubt on quorum legitimacy. He also accused the ruling party of using the JPC to sideline critical issues.

The JPC meeting on the Waqf Amendment Bill took place in Guwahati today and marks the first stop on a study tour across five cities, which will continue until November 14, covering Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Patna, and Lucknow.