Harsh Sanghavi, Asaduddin Owaisi

A recent joint parliamentary committee (JPC) meeting in Ahmedabad to discuss the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has reportedly turned contentious.

The meeting, attended by Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghavi and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi, witnessed a verbal spat between the two leaders, according to sources.

Congress MLA Imran Khedawala, who was present at the meeting, expressed his discontent. Khedawala alleged that “the government and the Home Minister are merely putting up a show. Even the presentation made by the Waqf Board members was as per the government’s directives and did not align with our views. We are firm and oppose granting of powers to the Collector.”

The 31-member committee, including chairman Jagadambika Pal and Owaisi, convened at a hotel in Ahmedabad. The meeting was also attended by members of the Gujarat Waqf Board, political party representatives, and legal experts.

Commenting on the meeting proceedings, Sanghavi said, “All suggestions related to reforms in the interest of every citizen have been provided to the JPC committee. While I cannot disclose the specific discussions of the JPC, I have fulfilled my duty to address the issues concerning the welfare of the citizens. The complete information regarding the suggestions will be provided to all media as per the JPC committee rules.”

Sanghavi declined to comment on the verbal exchange regarding the rules and regulations of the Waqf Board.

The JPC is scheduled to hold meetings in Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru in the coming days.

The committee was formed to examine the essentiality of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and comprises 31 members, including 21 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha.

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