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The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 descended into chaos when Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee allegedly assaulted JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal. The incident occurred during the meeting on Tuesday, leaving the committee members and observers shocked. Banerjee, in a fit of rage, smashed a bottle and threw its broken pieces toward Pal, leading to a brief adjournment of the meeting.
Following the incident, the JPC decided to suspend Banerjee for one day, equivalent to two sessions, under Rules 261 and 374(1)(2) of the Lok Sabha. The decision was approved by a majority vote, despite some ruling party MPs expressing dissatisfaction with the perceived leniency of the punishment. The proposal stated that the suspension was due to Banerjee's inappropriate language towards the committee chairman and his physical assault using the broken pieces of a bottle.
Jagdambika Pal, in strong terms, condemned Banerjee's actions, labeling them as undemocratic and anarchist. He stated that in a democratic society, dissent should be expressed through voting, not through violence. Pal expressed bewilderment at Banerjee's motives, questioning the purpose of his violent outburst and the message he aimed to convey. He lamented the politicization of the JPC proceedings, emphasizing that the committee was established to facilitate open discussions on the Bill with all stakeholders.
The altercation began when representatives from two Cuttack-based organizations, Justice in Reality and Panchasakha Bani Prachar Mandali, were presenting their views on the Bill. Banerjee repeatedly interrupted their presentations, sparking a confrontation with BJP MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay. The situation further escalated when Banerjee attempted to speak out of turn, leading to a heated verbal exchange between the two JPC members. This argument ultimately culminated in Banerjee smashing the water bottle and throwing the broken pieces toward Pal.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the decorum and conduct of parliamentary proceedings. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for respectful dialogue and compromise in democratic processes. While political differences are inevitable, resorting to violence is unacceptable and undermines the very fabric of democratic governance. The incident will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the political discourse in India and will likely fuel further debate about the role of the JPC in the legislative process.