NEW DELHI — The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meetings on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill have witnessed heated arguments between opposition members and BJP representatives. During Friday’s meeting, tensions reached a boiling point, prompting JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal to step in and restore order.

The ongoing discussions have seen opposition members, including Kalyan Banerjee (Trinamool Congress), Sanjay Singh (Aam Aadmi Party), and Mohibullah Nadvi (Samajwadi Party), vehemently questioning the necessity of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. “What is the need for this bill?” asked Banerjee during the heated debate. “If Waqf properties have been wrongly claimed, the courts are fully capable of resolving the disputes. Why introduce a new bill?”

The opposition’s pointed questions put BJP members on the back foot, leading to a tense atmosphere. “There is severe anxiety in the Muslim community regarding this bill,” remarked Sanjay Singh, echoing concerns that the bill might lead to further unrest.

During the meeting, officials from various ministries presented their views on the bill, which only fuelled the opposition’s anger. They accused the officials of being partial. “Officers should not just parrot the government’s stance but remain neutral,” urged an opposition member, expressing frustration over what they perceived as a lack of impartiality.

The BJP, however, defended the bill, insisting that it aims to ensure Waqf properties are used solely for religious and public welfare purposes, rather than personal gain. They also argued that the bill would expedite the removal of encroachments on government lands, enabling the completion of key projects. However, opposition members were quick to counter this, pointing out that current laws already provide a framework to challenge improper notifications of Waqf properties.

In one particularly tense moment, officials from the Ministry of Urban Development struggled to answer questions about land acquisition processes dating back to the British era. This prompted accusations from the opposition that the ministry was withholding information and simply following the government’s directives without conducting an independent analysis. “There is an attempt to suppress critical information,” claimed an opposition member, reflecting the deep distrust that has permeated the discussions.

As the debate escalated, Chairman Jagdambika Pal had to step in to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. The JPC meetings are expected to continue, with both sides preparing for further confrontations over the controversial bill.