Congress MP Criticizes Waqf Bill JPC Process as 'Eyewash'

Congress MP Md Jawaid criticized the Joint Parliamentary Committee's handling of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, labeling national tours as ineffective. He alleged the committee includes ill-informed participants and suggested the government aims to exploit Waqf lands. Concerns about minority rights have been raised by opposition members.

Md Jawaid, Congress MP and member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) tasked with reviewing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, has voiced significant concerns regarding the committee's operations. Speaking with ANI, Jawaid described national tours organized by the JPC as mere "eyewash" and criticized the absence of substantial member participation. "When a third of the members are absent, the process becomes meaningless," he remarked, disclosing that 12 to 14 out of the 31 members have opted out of the tours, rendering them ineffective.

Jawaid further alleged that individuals without expertise in Waqf matters were being brought in to testify, creating a skewed understanding of the issue. He accused Prime Minister Modi of engaging in arbitrary decision-making during his tenure, pointing out a packed schedule dominated by meetings and tours with ill-suited participants. "These people aim to forcefully amend Waqf laws via the JPC," he warned, adding that he had formally addressed these concerns to the JPC Chairman a month earlier.

The Congress leader highlighted the potential risk of government acquisition of vast Waqf lands by utilizing the bill, emphasizing its significant implications for Muslim property rights. Jawaid stressed the importance of reducing meeting frequency in discussions with the Speaker, who asserted his willingness to address the concerns. Jawaid, along with DMK Lok Sabha MP A Raja, argued for a more cautious approach, underscoring the potential repercussions for approximately 20 crore people. Raja accused the committee chair of bias and mismanagement, echoing calls for transparency and fairness in the proceedings. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)