BJP MP Nishikant Dubey Calls for Extension of Joint Parliamentary Committee’s (JPC) Deadline on Waqf Amendment Bill Amidst Opposition Protests
On Wednesday, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey requested an extension for the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the Waqf Amendment Bill, following concerns raised by Opposition members about the swift proceedings ahead of the November 29 deadline.
Dubey, representing Jharkhand’s Godda constituency, put forward a resolution during a JPC meeting, urging more time to complete the committee’s work on the bill. This request came after Opposition MPs staged a walkout earlier in the meeting, accusing JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal of attempting to rush the process and close the proceedings prematurely.
Despite the walkout, the Opposition MPs returned to the meeting after reports emerged suggesting that Pal may seek an extension for the committee’s tenure. They have consistently argued that more time is needed to hear from all stakeholders, citing that the JPC has met only 25 times so far. Although a draft report from Pal has been prepared, the Opposition remains dissatisfied with the progress and has called on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to extend the deadline.
Key Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, DMK’s A Raja, Sanjay Singh from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, have raised concerns about Pal’s handling of the committee’s proceedings. They claim that Pal is under pressure to conclude the discussions by November 29, without giving ample time for proper deliberation.
Gogoi also suggested that some senior BJP ministers might be influencing the committee’s actions, as Pal reportedly pushed for the conclusion of the committee’s work to ensure the report could be tabled in the Lok Sabha on November 29.
Meanwhile, YSR Congress MP V Vijaysai Reddy acknowledged that not all BJP allies supported the extension, but suggested that Pal was keen to finish the committee’s work on time.
There are reports indicating that the committee’s tenure could be extended until the first week of the Budget Session next year, with a final decision expected from the Lok Sabha.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by the government on August 8, aims to streamline the Waqf Board’s functioning and ensure better management of Waqf properties. However, the bill has faced strong opposition from certain parties and Muslim organizations, who argue that it targets the Muslim community and violates their constitutional rights. Consequently, the bill was referred to the JPC for a thorough review.
