DMK's Raja Raises Alarm Over Alleged Bias in Waqf Bill Deliberations

DMK MP A Raja has accused the Joint Parliamentary Committee's chairman of bias in handling the Waqf Board Act review, posing a threat to minority rights. Raja claimed procedural bias and lack of consultation, prompting opposition to seek Speaker's intervention. The BJP criticized the boycott of study tours.

DMK Lok Sabha member A Raja expressed serious concerns on Saturday regarding the ongoing discussions by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), tasked with reviewing the Waqf Board Act. Raja accused the committee's chairman of biased handling, notably impacting minority rights. Speaking with ANI, he highlighted that the opposition has raised numerous objections to the chairman's approach during committee meetings.

The DMK MP emphasized that the current functioning of the JPC poses a significant threat to minorities' constitutional rights, particularly regarding the Waqf Board Act. 'The rights of minorities seem to be under threat of being eroded, undermining parliamentary sovereignty. This is a dire situation and opposition plans to address it with the Speaker,' Raja asserted.

Raja detailed issues within the JPC, citing ignored objections about procedural matters, such as witness selection and meeting scheduling, carried out without member consent. Despite assurances from the Speaker to address these concerns, a study tour in Assam proceeded with limited participation, a fact criticized by BJP's Aparajita Sarangi. Meanwhile, the JPC Chairman continues its nationwide review of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, aiming for comprehensive reforms.

(With inputs from agencies.)