Jairam Ramesh Declares Strong Opposition to Bill in Upcoming Parliament Session
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh announced on Friday that the Congress party will utilize all democratic avenues to vehemently oppose the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament. Ahead of the second half of the Budget Session, set to resume on Monday, Ramesh emphasized that the INDIA bloc collectively opposes the "content, intent, and extent" of the controversial legislation.
Opposition Unity on Waqf (Amendment) Bill
In a recent statement, Ramesh revealed that extensive consultations are underway among INDIA bloc parties, aiming for a coordinated effort against the proposed bill. He further indicated that Leaders of Opposition, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge (Rajya Sabha) and Rahul Gandhi (Lok Sabha), will soon initiate discussions with other opposition leaders.
"The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is controversial, and it will be opposed lock, stock, and barrel," Ramesh asserted, accusing the government of undermining democratic processes. He expressed deep dissatisfaction with how the bill was handled by the joint parliamentary committee, labeling it "undemocratic."
Accusations of Undemocratic Practices
Ramesh criticized the joint committee's proceedings, alleging selective witness hearings and the unprecedented submission of a report without a clause-by-clause discussion. He noted from his experience on the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for the Data Protection Bill, which was chaired by a BJP MP, that thorough deliberations were previously upheld—something conspicuously missing in the handling of the Waqf Bill.
Bill's Passage Faces Strong Resistance
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and referred to a joint parliamentary committee in August last year, has faced intense opposition scrutiny. The committee adopted the report, proposing amendments largely backed by BJP members, in a 15-11 majority vote. Opposition members sharply disagreed, submitting dissent notes and labeling the exercise as an effort to weaken Waqf boards.
Despite concerns that the bill might be pushed through amidst parliamentary disruptions, Ramesh maintained, "We will follow all democratic routes to oppose this bill."
Mixed Signals from Allies and Other Parties
Jairam Ramesh highlighted internal unease within parties such as the JD(U) and TDP regarding the bill. He claimed these parties were pressured into supporting the legislation by the ruling BJP. However, he refrained from speculating on how JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar and TDP's Chandrababu Naidu would ultimately act, noting only that their "real face will be revealed."
Budget Session Agenda
Ramesh outlined the opposition's agenda for the second half of the Budget Session, stating that discussions would focus on demands for grants concerning ministries including Home, Education, Social Justice, Railways, and Health. The session will also see debates on the Finance Bill and the Appropriation Bill.
Clarity on INDIA Bloc Unity in Assembly Polls
Addressing queries regarding differing stances among INDIA bloc parties during state assembly elections, Ramesh clarified that the INDIA alliance was formed primarily for Lok Sabha elections, not for state-level contests. "The INDIA group was for the Lok Sabha polls, so I am not surprised or disappointed that we fought each other in state assembly polls," he explained, emphasizing that alliances at state levels existed independently.
The second half of the Budget Session is scheduled from March 10 and concludes on April 4.
