NEW DELHI: TMC MP and Waqf JPC member Kalyan Banerjee on Wednesday, while leaving the second round of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill came out shouting, “Dispute resolved, all is well.” Banerjee, however, avoided further questions while repeatedly saying, “Whatever has to be said will be said by the chairman. (Jo kuch bolna hai woh chairman bolenge)”
Earlier today, Banerjee, along with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, DMK MP A Raja, and AAP MP Sanjay Singh, had staged a walkout, accusing the proceedings of being a “mockery.”
Their protest was sparked by JPC chairperson Jagdambika Pal’s announcement to table the draft report of the Waqf Bill in the Lok Sabha on November 29. Opposition members argued the timeline was rushed and did not allow for sufficient consultations with stakeholders.
However, after discussions resumed, Pal assured that the JPC would seek an extension. “We still have to invite and listen to other stakeholders and state officials from six states where there are disputes between Waqf and state governments, and regarding 123 properties, there is a dispute between the Government of India, Urban Ministry, and Waqf Board. We feel that there is a need to extend,” he said.
Congress MP Gogoi alleged pressure to expedite the process, saying, “We discussed regarding the extension (of the committee) and we expect a motion to be moved to this effect in the House tomorrow. The assurance from the Speaker has not been fulfilled by the chairman, and the process is far from complete.”
DMK MP A Raja added, “The chairman accepted to move a motion tomorrow in the House that the term of the JPC will be extended for the next Budget session.”
Other opposition leaders echoed similar concerns. “Submitting a draft report before all stakeholders are heard would be a disservice to the process,” said AAP MP Sanjay Singh. YSR Congress MP Vijay Sai Reddy also pointed out that several Waqf boards and stakeholders had not been consulted, stating, “Before the agenda was taken up, non-BJP members requested an extension, but the chairman dismissed our concerns.”
Senior officials from the Ministry of Minority Affairs attended the meeting to discuss amendments to the Waqf Bill, with opposition members reiterating the need for more time to ensure a balanced and comprehensive review.