Opposition Creates Confusion & Leaves House: Rijiju in Rajya Sabha
The recent proceedings in the Rajya Sabha have been marked by a significant amount of disruption and chaos, with opposition members creating confusion and then walking out of the House without listening to the responses from the government. This was the assessment of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who criticized senior Rajya Sabha members for their behavior during the discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
Rijiju made his remarks during the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to provide for greater autonomy and transparency in the management of Waqf properties. The bill aims to empower the Waqf Board to take decisions on the management of Waqf properties, and to ensure that the properties are used for the benefit of the Muslim community.
However, the debate on the bill was marked by frequent interruptions and disruptions, with opposition members shouting slogans and creating chaos in the House. Rijiju, who is the Minister of State for Home Affairs, criticized the opposition members for their behavior, saying that they were creating confusion and then walking out of the House without listening to the responses from the government.
“It’s not fair to create confusion and then leave the House without staying back to listen to the replies,” Rijiju said. “This is not the way to conduct a democratic debate. We are here to discuss the bill, but we cannot do so in a chaotic atmosphere.”
Rijiju’s criticism was directed primarily at senior Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal, who had compared the properties of Waqf bodies with those of other religious bodies. Sibal had argued that the Waqf properties were being mismanaged and that the government was not doing enough to protect them.
However, Rijiju disputed Sibal’s claims, saying that the Waqf properties were being managed properly and that the government was taking steps to ensure their protection. He also accused Sibal of creating confusion and diverting attention from the main issue.
“Sibal ji is creating confusion by comparing the properties of Waqf bodies with those of other religious bodies,” Rijiju said. “This is not the way to conduct a debate. We should focus on the bill and not get distracted by irrelevant issues.”
Rijiju’s remarks were supported by other government members, who also criticized the opposition for their behavior. However, the opposition members continued to protest and disrupt the proceedings, forcing the Chair to adjourn the House for the day.
The debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is likely to continue in the coming days, with both the government and the opposition expected to present their views on the bill. However, the opposition’s behavior in the House has raised questions about their commitment to democratic norms and their willingness to engage in constructive debate.
As the debate continues, it is clear that the opposition needs to rethink its approach and focus on engaging in a constructive and respectful debate. By doing so, they can contribute to a more productive and democratic discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and other important legislative issues.
