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.
In an effort to bring in significant investments and job opportunities to Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has been speaking with various companies to allow their employees to work from their hometowns. Naidu plans to transform vacant government buildings into work hubs, equipped with computers for employees to utilize. He also promised to usher in a digital revolution and restore damaged systems in the state, despite the challenging financial situation inherited from the previous YSR Congress regime.
The YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, has changed its stance on the controversial Waqf Bill, which has been a point of contention between the NDA government and the Opposition INDIA bloc. The YSRCP's opposition to the Bill is being seen as an attempt to win over the state's Muslim population and consolidate its base among religious minorities. The party, which was previously silent on the issue, has now taken a vocal stance against the Bill, stating that it goes against the interests of the community.
The Supreme Court has rescheduled the hearing of the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute to December 9 due to lack of time. The main issue is whether an intra-court appeal against rejection of a petition under Order 7 Rule 11 CPC is maintainable before the Allahabad High Court. Apart from this, three special leave petitions have been filed by the Shahi Idgah Masjid and Sunni Central Waqf Board challenging previous court orders related to the dispute. The dispute pertains to the removal of 18 suits filed by the deity and Hindu worshippers for the removal of Shahi Idgah mosque, with the mosque committee arguing that the suits are barred by the Places of Worship Act.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to centralize government control over Waqf properties, has sparked debate and opposition from minority communities, civil society, and opposition leaders. As the Winter Session of Parliament approaches and the Joint Parliamentary Committee prepares to submit its report, all eyes are on whether TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu and JDU leader Nitish Kumar will support the government or the opposition. Amidst calls for more time for review, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has promised to pass the controversial bill, prompting further controversy and debate.
A parliamentary committee led by Chairman Jagdambika Pal is expected to submit a draft report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on November 29. The committee has consulted with the Ministry of Minority Affairs and stakeholders, but the Opposition is requesting more time for discussions. The Waqf Bill has been a highly debated issue, and this committee's report will play a significant role in shaping the future of Waqf properties and their management in the country.
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya and editors of Kannada news portals have been booked for spreading false information about a farmer's suicide in Haveri district, Karnataka. Surya had shared an article on 'X' alleging the farmer's death was due to his land being taken over by the Waqf Board. The post was later deleted by the MP after the news was deemed fake by the district police. This incident has sparked a political controversy and raises questions about the responsibility of spreading news.
Senior BJP Leader M. P. Renukacharya has released a video implicating Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan and CM Siddaramaiah in an alleged plot to reclaim Waqf properties belonging to farmers and temples. This revelation comes amidst Congress' loss of credibility ahead of by-polls and the Chief Minister's ongoing controversies involving corruption and Muslim appeasement. Renukacharya has accused Zameer of being a "religious fanatic" and questioned his actions as a minister for minorities. Zameer, on the other hand, has claimed to be acting under the orders of CM Siddaramaiah, who has allegedly instructed him to conduct annual review meetings and visit every district to reclaim Waqf properties.
The Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra has accused the Congress government of conspiring to displace farmers in Vijayapura district. He states that the government has started issuing notices to farmers claiming their agricultural land belongs to the Waqf Board. This has caused outrage as generations of farming families are now at risk of losing their livelihood. The BJP leader slams the Congress for prioritizing appeasement politics over the welfare of farmers and vows to fight for justice.
A heated argument between TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee and BJP MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay during a joint parliamentary committee meeting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, turned violent when Banerjee smashed a glass water bottle and threw it at panel chairman Jagdambika Pal. This led to his suspension for one day and from two future meetings of the JPC. The incident has raised questions about the behaviour and conduct of MPs during important discussions and the impact it has on the country's image.