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The Lok Sabha's proceedings were significantly disrupted on Thursday due to fervent protests from the opposition. The primary point of contention was the extension granted to the Joint Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2023. This extension, until the last day of the Budget session in 2025, was approved despite vociferous objections from opposition members. Their protests stemmed from multiple grievances, notably the violence reported in Sambhal during a mosque survey and allegations of irregularities surrounding the Adani Group. The opposition's demands for discussions on these issues fueled the tumultuous atmosphere within the House.
The Joint Committee, established on August 8th, had an initial deadline of November 29th to submit its report. However, substantial disagreements between the ruling and opposition members regarding proposed amendments to the Waqf Act necessitated this extension. These disagreements intensified earlier in the week when opposition committee members staged a walkout, accusing the committee chairman, BJP leader Jagdambika Pal, of prematurely declaring a draft report ready. Their claims further highlighted a perceived disregard for assurances from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla concerning the committee's tenure extension. Following this walkout, negotiations between BJP members and the opposition resulted in the mutual agreement to seek the extension, though disagreements concerning the adequacy of consultations persisted.
The proposed amendments to the Waqf Act have been a source of significant contention. Opposition parties vehemently criticize these amendments, alleging they infringe upon the religious rights of Muslims. Conversely, the BJP asserts that the changes aim to enhance transparency and accountability within waqf boards. This fundamental disagreement formed the core of the conflict within the Lok Sabha. The passage of the resolution extending the committee's deadline, despite the opposition's protests, was followed by further disruptions. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the opposition's actions, characterizing them as attempts to disrupt the House's proceedings. The escalating tensions culminated in the adjournment of the House for the day.
The protests significantly intensified during the Question Hour, shortly after the swearing-in of new Lok Sabha members Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Ravindra Chavan from the Congress. Opposition members congregated in the Well of the House, raising slogans and demanding immediate action on the Sambhal violence and a comprehensive debate on the allegations against the Adani Group. This demonstration of dissent created a chaotic environment, ultimately leading TDP member Krishna Prasad Tenneti, who was presiding, to adjourn the House. The Adani Group responded to the allegations, clarifying that neither Gautam Adani nor his nephew, Sagar Adani, had been formally charged under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in relation to a bribery case filed in a New York court. This statement, however, did little to quell the opposition's demands for a thorough investigation and parliamentary discussion.
The events in the Lok Sabha underscore the deep political divisions in India. The Waqf Bill, while ostensibly focused on administrative reform, has become a focal point for broader political struggles. The opposition's use of the Bill's extension as a platform to voice concerns about other issues, such as the Sambhal violence and the Adani Group allegations, highlights a strategy to leverage parliamentary proceedings for broader political aims. The government's response, characterized by condemnation of the opposition's disruptive tactics, underscores the increasingly strained relationship between the ruling party and its opposition counterparts. The incident showcases a pattern of escalating political polarization and the difficulties in achieving constructive dialogue within the Indian Parliament.
Source: Lok Sabha grants extension to Joint Panel on Waqf Bill; house adjourned for the day