Amidst strong objections from opposition parties, a division of votes took place in the Rajya Sabha as BJP MP Harnath Singh Yadav introduced a private member bill aiming to annul the Waqf Act, 1995.

BJP member Harnath Singh Yadav moved the Waqf Repeal Bill 2022 for introduction, triggering strong opposition from members of various parties such as Congress, TMC, DMK, CPI, CPI (M), and RJD. The dissenting views led to a division of votes.

The bill's introduction received approval as 53 members, predominantly from the treasury benches, voted in favour, while 32 members opposed the move.

Yadav introduced the bill after that and it will be taken up for discussion later.

Expressing opposition to the bill during its introductory stage, Elamaram Kareem of CPI (M) pointed out that the Waqf Board oversees numerous religious sites and orphanages across the country.

Touching such a sensitive issue will create communal division among the people, he said. “So it should not be admitted. It should be rejected. That is my contention.” His party colleague John Brittas said the only objective of the bill is to create animosity and polarisation amongst different sections of the population. “This will have a far-reaching impact in society and a member from the ruling party should not indulge in such bills which create polarisation and disharmony, which is obviously against the tenants of the Constitution,” he added.

Sandosh Kumar P (CPI) echoed a similar sentiment, expressing opposition to the bill's introduction. Additionally, Tiruchi Siva (DMK) vehemently opposed the bill's introduction.

V Sivadasan (CPI-M) said the private member bill is trying to create communal venom. Jawhar Sircar (TMC), Syed Naseer Hussain (Congress), Fauzia Khan (NCP), Mahua Maji (JMM), and Manoj Kumar Jha (RJD) similarly voiced strong reservations against the bill.

Image source: Sansad TV