The West Bengal Assembly passed a resolution urging the withdrawal of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 in Parliament. BJP legislators staged a walkout during the discussion on the resolution, opposing it. Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, who moved the resolution, stated that the bill, if passed, will have a negative impact on Waqf administration in the country. However, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari argued that the resolution was a waste of time as a Joint Parliamentary Committee had been formed to examine the bill, and its term has been extended till 2025.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 and Opposition from West Bengal
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, introduced in Parliament, has sparked controversy and drawn opposition from the West Bengal Assembly.
Background
Waqf properties are religious endowments in Islam, typically administered by boards appointed by state governments. The Waqf Act of 1995 governs the management and administration of these properties.
Government's Rationale for Amendment
The government has proposed amendments to the Waqf Act with the stated aim of improving transparency and accountability in Waqf administration. The amendments include:
Opposition's Concerns
The West Bengal Assembly and other critics have raised concerns that the amendments:
West Bengal Assembly Resolution
On February 2, 2023, the West Bengal Assembly passed a resolution urging the withdrawal of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024. Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay moved the resolution, arguing that the bill would adversely impact Waqf administration in the state.
BJP Walkout and Argument
The BJP, which opposes the resolution, staged a walkout during the discussion. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari argued that the resolution was a waste of time given that a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) had been formed to examine the bill and its term had been extended till 2025.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q: What is the purpose of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024? A: The bill aims to improve transparency and accountability in Waqf administration.
Q: Why is the West Bengal Assembly opposed to the bill? A: The Assembly believes the bill infringes on state autonomy and local community involvement in Waqf management.
Q: What is the status of the JPC examining the bill? A: The JPC's term has been extended till 2025 to complete its examination.
Q: What is the next step in the legislative process? A: The JPC is expected to submit its report to Parliament, which will then debate and vote on the bill.
Q: What impact could the bill have if passed? A: The bill could increase central oversight of Waqf boards and reduce the role of local communities in their management.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal had a close call when a former member of a Khalistani terrorist organization opened fire at him while he was performing religious duties at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Wednesday. The shooter, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, was quickly apprehended by security personnel. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Sikh leaders, particularly those associated with the ongoing farmer protests in India.
A former militant attempted to fire at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal while he was on guard duty at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Opposition leaders criticized the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the law and order situation in Punjab, with the Congress demanding increased security for the former Punjab deputy chief minister. The incident has been called a "big conspiracy" by the SAD leader, who also attacked Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for his handling of the state's security. The political parties continue to blame each other while demanding action against those responsible for the attack.
On December 3, 2024, the Lok Sabha passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, which introduces important changes to the Indian banking framework. The bill allows bank account holders to nominate up to four individuals for their accounts, streamlining inheritance processes. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman views this as a crucial step towards modernizing banking operations and ensuring better protection for depositors. While this legislation has faced criticism from opposition parties, it has been welcomed by the government as a progressive step towards improving banking regulations in light of evolving financial landscapes.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other senior party leaders, were stopped at the Ghazipur border while trying to enter Sambhal where prohibitory orders are currently in place. Heavy police force and barricades were put up in an attempt to prevent their entry into the district. This development comes amidst ongoing tensions and protests in the region over a controversial citizenship law.
SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked while performing 'seva' at the Golden Temple, but his party has stated that he will continue his duties as a religious punishment. The shooter has been identified as Narain Singh Chaura, a former militant who was arrested in 2013. Badal, who is in a wheelchair due to a fractured leg, has been serving his punishment at the temple entrance while holding a spear. Chaura has a history of involvement in illegal activities and was acquitted in a previous case.
Former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped injury when an attacker shot at him during his duty as a guardian at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The attacker was identified as Narain Singh and was quickly overpowered by bystanders. The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Security arrangements at the temple were noted by Amritsar Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Harpal Singh, who confirmed that the attacker had been present the previous day and had paid homage before the attack. Former Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema arrived at the scene after the incident occurred, with Cheema condemning it as a "big conspiracy" to destabilize Punjab.
A man identified as former Babbar Khalsa International terrorist Narain Singh Chaura attempted to shoot Sukhbir Singh Badal, a leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal, at the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Tuesday. However, due to the quick reflexes and actions of an unknown man wearing an orange turban, the bullet was prevented from being fired, and Chaura was overpowered and arrested by the crowd. Badal, who was serving a religious punishment at the temple's entrance, was unharmed.
After announcing a surprise martial law order, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces pushback from MPs who quickly gathered at the National Assembly and voted to block his move. Demonstrators also gathered outside parliament to protest the sudden military rule. Less than two hours after his declaration, President Yoon reverses course, with some attributing the decision to his controversial and weakened position as a lame duck president. In response, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions has called for nationwide strikes until Yoon resigns, labeling his actions as a "crime of insurrection."
On December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law across the nation. This drastic measure, the first in nearly 50 years, was justified by the government as necessary to protect democracy and public safety. The announcement, made at 10 p.m. local time, came amid a political turmoil stemming from opposition parties' recent election victory and subsequent legislative deadlock. The official declaration outlined strict measures, including banning all political activities and placing media outlets under martial law control. Violators will face severe penalties as outlined in the Martial Law Act. Stay informed with the latest developments by subscribing to NewsX.
T Harish Rao, a popular grassroots leader and former minister from the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party in Telangana, has found himself embroiled in a major political controversy as he was booked in a case of alleged illegal phone tapping. The case has caused a stir in the state's political landscape, particularly due to Rao's close ties to party chief and former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. The incident has sparked widespread debates and discussions about the ethics and legality of phone tapping in politics.