 |
|
The recent controversy surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in India has taken a dramatic turn with a significant boycott of the parliamentary committee meeting by opposition MPs. This act of defiance was triggered by allegations that the committee's proceedings are not adhering to established rules and regulations, further escalating tensions between the ruling and opposition parties. The incident highlights the growing chasm between the government and its critics, raising questions about the transparency and fairness of the legislative process.
Opposition MPs, including prominent figures like Gaurav Gogoi and Imran Masood of the Congress, A Raja of the DMK, Arvind Sawant of the Shiv Sena (UBT), AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi, Samjwadi Party's Mohibbullah, and Sanjay Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party, voiced their concerns by staging a walkout during the meeting. The MPs expressed their deep dissatisfaction with the manner in which the committee is operating, citing violations of parliamentary procedures and a perceived lack of objectivity in the discussions. Mr. Sawant, speaking to reporters, explicitly stated that the Joint Committee of Parliament, responsible for examining the Bill, is not functioning in accordance with established norms.
The opposition's discontent was further inflamed by the inclusion of personal attacks against senior members of the opposition, particularly Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. This act, allegedly perpetrated by a witness during the committee proceedings, fueled accusations of bias and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of prominent opposition leaders. The opposition members, determined to address this perceived injustice, convened a separate meeting to strategize their next steps, with some suggesting an appeal to the Lok Sabha Speaker. Despite the opposition's boycott, the committee, chaired by veteran BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, continued its proceedings, underscoring the deep political divide surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.