Fiery Exchange in Lok Sabha Over Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

In a heated Lok Sabha session, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav and Union Home Minister Amit Shah clashed over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The bill, introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, stirred strong opposition from various parties amid calls for further scrutiny.

A heated exchange erupted in the Lok Sabha Thursday between Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during discussions on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Yadav argued adamantly against the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf bodies, questioning the legislative intent behind the move.

'Yeh bill jo introduce ho raha hai woh bahut sochi samjhi rajneeti ke tehat ho raha hai,' said Yadav, challenging the nomination method for Waqf bodies. He alleged that the BJP's new legislation aims to appease hardliner supporters after electoral setbacks. Yadav claimed the bill curtails both individual and collective rights, prompting a forceful rebuke from Shah.

'The rights of the Speaker do not belong to the Opposition, but to the whole House,' retorted Shah, accusing Yadav of misleading the assembly. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla intervened, urging Yadav and other MPs to refrain from personal remarks about the Chair. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the bill, addressing the necessity for state Waqf Boards' powers, property registrations, and anti-encroachment measures, while also acknowledging calls for the bill's referral to a parliamentary committee.

Opposition from several parties, including the Congress, DMK, NCP, Trinamool Congress, and AIMIM, was stark. Rijijiu expressed willingness to form a Joint Parliamentary Committee for detailed deliberations, asserting that the bill follows up on recommendations from a panel set up during the Congress-led UPA regime.

(With inputs from agencies.)