JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal Criticizes Kalyan Banerjee's Behavior During Heated Scuffle

JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal condemned TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee's outburst during a JPC meeting on the Waqf Bill, calling the incident unprecedented in his parliamentary career. Banerjee, suspended for smashing a glass bottle, was involved in a heated exchange with BJP MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay. Pal expressed readiness to resign if members felt he was being unfair in his conduct.

Reacting to the scuffle during the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, BJP MP and JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal expressed shock over the events, stating he never imagined such an incident could occur in his 40 years of parliamentary life. Pal condemned the behavior of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee, who was suspended from the committee for one session after smashing a glass bottle during a heated exchange with BJP MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay.

Pal described the scuffle as a major incident, emphasizing that it forced the adjournment of the meeting for the first time. "What message has gone to the country? His party should also reflect on the behavior of its members," Pal said, pointing out the presence of delegations from Odisha, including senior lawyers and former judges, during the meeting.

Banerjee was suspended for one day under rule 347 after a 9-7 vote, and reportedly threw the broken bottle toward Pal. The incident occurred when Banerjee tried to speak out of turn, leading to an argument with the BJP MP. Banerjee injured his hand and required four stitches.

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Pal denied accusations of unfairness and stated that he always gives members a chance to speak, adding that if MPs had issues with his conduct, he would be willing to resign.