Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee has been suspended for a day from the Joint Committee of Parliament on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill following a heated altercation during a meeting. The suspension came after Banerjee smashed a glass bottle during a contentious exchange with BJP member and former Calcutta High Court Judge, Abhijit Gangopadhyay. The incident has sparked intense political controversy, further deepening the friction between the ruling party and the opposition.
The Incident
During the meeting, Banerjee reportedly lost his temper while discussing the registration of Waqf properties. After a tense argument with Gangopadhyay, Banerjee allegedly smashed the bottle on the table. BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who chairs the committee, later accused Banerjee of attempting to hit him with the bottle, though Banerjee suffered cuts on his hand during the incident.
Banerjee was given first aid for his injuries and was later escorted back to the meeting room by AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi and AAP MP Sanjay Singh.
Chairperson’s Reaction
Chairperson Jagdambika Pal condemned the incident, stating, “A bottle was broken, and there was an attempt to hit the Chair. I was fortunate enough to escape injury, thanks to divine intervention. Such behavior has no place in a parliamentary democracy.”
Pal’s strong words reflected the shock and seriousness with which the committee members viewed the incident, marking the first time a session had to be adjourned due to physical altercations.
Political Fallout
Banerjee was suspended after a motion was moved by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. The suspension will be effective for a day during the committee’s next scheduled meeting. Pal also emphasized that the incident had been reported to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, saying, “We had to adjourn the meeting. This is an unprecedented event in the committee’s history. Such conduct tarnishes the democratic process.”
The controversy comes amid accusations from opposition members about bias within the committee. Prior to this incident, several opposition MPs had walked out of a panel meeting, accusing Pal of conducting proceedings in a “biased and partisan manner.” The opposition had previously written to Speaker Om Birla, alleging discrimination.
Conclusion
The Waqf Bill committee, which has been contentious from its first meeting in August, continues to be a flashpoint between opposition and ruling party members. The altercation between Banerjee and Gangopadhyay highlights the escalating tension, as both sides navigate the sensitive issue of Waqf property registration and its implications. As the political mudslinging continues, this incident marks yet another low point in the strained relations between political rivals.
