Waqf Bill: All Complaints and Amendments Addressed, Says Pal; Dismisses Opposition's Claims

During the debate, leaders such as Asaduddin Owaisi and Sanjay Singh released statements criticizing the government for not being ready to approach their concerns. Pal said these are completely false claims.

Jagdambika Pal, the Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, responded to the allegations made by the Opposition on Monday over the committee's meetings and the Bill's progress and said that all complaints and amendments have been included.

During the debate, leaders such as Asaduddin Owaisi and Sanjay Singh released statements criticizing the government for not being ready to approach their concerns. Pal said these are completely false claims.

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Speaking about the ongoing deliberations, Pal clarified, "The Opposition's statements regarding the JPC meetings and the board are entirely unnecessary. They are making frivolous claims. Regarding the allegations from Owaisi and Sanjay Singh that the government is not listening to them, I want to make it clear that all the complaints and amendments they submitted in writing have been included in the discussions."

Pal also said that the next JPC meeting will be scheduled by the Lok Sabha Speaker. "The Speaker will decide when the next meeting will take place, and the Chairman has already been informed about this. The report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, will be presented once the Speaker includes it in the agenda," he added.

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In addition, he clarified that no report would be presented today. "No, the report is not being presented today. When the Speaker puts it on agenda, we'll present our report based on JPC Waqf framework, he said on speculation that maybe the report could be released today.

"It is a correction and for the betterment. Once it is presented, people will see that a very good decision has been brought by the government," said Pal.

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He also said that "just as the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir brought peace and development, similarly, the Waqf law will benefit minorities."

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has proven to be controversial as the opposition party accuses the government of overlooking their views.

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