The second meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) constituted to scrutinize the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was marked by intense exchanges and disruptions. The meeting, which commenced at 11 a.m., extended until 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
Sources indicate that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Members of Parliament expressed frustration over what they perceived as unruly behaviour from opposition lawmakers, which they claimed obstructed their ability to speak and present their arguments.
Conversely, some opposition Members of Parliament accused the BJP of employing a high-handed approach and making personal attacks. A particularly heated exchange occurred between BJP Member of Parliament Dilip Saikia and Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Sanjay Singh. Following a personal remark from Dilip Saikia, Sanjay Singh reportedly responded by criticizing the ruling party’s understanding of the Constitution and its implications. Sanjay Singh alleged that the BJP was more focused on consolidating power than adhering to constitutional principles, citing issues in the national capital as an example. He also mentioned his own imprisonment by the government, asserting that no evidence had been presented against him.
Dilip Saikia had previously questioned Sanjay Singh, suggesting that the control of a collector in Delhi should remain with the government, unlike in other parts of the country. This led to Sanjay Singh’s strong reaction, further escalating the confrontation.
At various points during the meeting, the exchanges became so contentious that walkouts by some members were reported, underscoring the depth of the disagreements within the committee.
