In a heated incident during a Waqf Board Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on Tuesday, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee asserted his commitment to fighting what he described as “non-secular forces.” The confrontation, which escalated into a physical altercation, occurred when Banerjee lost his temper, reportedly smashing a glass water bottle and throwing it at panel chairman Jagdambika Pal of the BJP.
A Tense Exchange
Following the incident, Banerjee, who sustained injuries to his thumb and little finger, required first aid. Reflecting on the clash, he told ANI, “I will keep fighting against non-secular forces. My fight will continue against the people who are trying to make the character of this country non-secular from secular.”
The scuffle led to Banerjee’s one-day suspension under rule 347, passed by a division vote of 10-8, according to sources from PTI. The suspension was initiated by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.
Background of the Incident
The altercation stemmed from Banerjee’s attempt to speak out of turn during the presentation of opinions and recommendations from organizations like ‘Justice in Reality’ and ‘Panchasakha Prachar’ concerning the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Having spoken three times already, Banerjee sought to contribute again, but BJP MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay objected. The confrontation escalated as both MPs exchanged abusive language, culminating in the glass bottle incident.
The session was temporarily adjourned after the scuffle, and Banerjee required four stitches in his injured hand, according to sources.
About the Waqf Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks to reform the Waqf system through digitization, stricter audits, enhanced transparency, and legal measures to reclaim illegally occupied properties. To achieve these goals, the joint committee is conducting a series of consultations with government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community representatives from different states and Union territories.
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