Opposition parties boycott Waqf Bill Select Committee meetings

DMK, Congress, and IUML skip proceedings, citing 'lack of transparency' and 'partisan approach'

Move raises concerns about the fate of the proposed legislation, which seeks to regulate and protect waqf properties across the country

The select parliamentary committee tasked with examining the Waqf Bill, 2022, has faced a setback with the opposition parties boycotting its meetings.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the Indian National Congress (Congress), and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) have all decided to skip the proceedings, citing a lack of transparency and a partisan approach by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Waqf Bill, which seeks to regulate and protect waqf properties across the country, has been a subject of intense debate since it was introduced in Parliament earlier this year. Opposition parties have raised concerns about the government's intentions, alleging that the bill is aimed at controlling waqf properties and undermining the autonomy of Muslim institutions.

the opposition parties' boycott of the select committee meetings is a significant development and raises concerns about the fate of the proposed legislation. The committee was tasked with scrutinizing the bill and submitting its report to Parliament by the end of the winter session.

With the opposition parties refusing to participate, the committee may not be able to complete its work within the stipulated timeframe. This could lead to the bill being passed without proper scrutiny and debate, which could have serious implications for the management and administration of waqf properties in the country.

The opposition parties have urged the government to address their concerns and ensure a more transparent and inclusive process. They have called for the inclusion of representatives from all stakeholders, including Muslim organizations and experts, in the select committee

The government has so far maintained that the Waqf Bill is designed to protect and preserve waqf properties and that it has consulted with all stakeholders during the drafting process.

It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the opposition parties' boycott and whether it will be able to address their concerns. The fate of the Waqf Bill hangs in the balance as the select committee meetings continue without the participation of the opposition parties