In a contentious session at the Rajya Sabha, BJP Member of Parliament Harnath Singh Yadav introduced a private member bill aimed at repealing the Waqf Act, 1995. The Waqf Repeal Bill 2022 faced strong opposition from multiple parties, including Congress, TMC, DMK, CPI, CPI (M), and RJD, resulting in a division of votes. Despite the protests, the bill's introduction was approved, with 53 members in favor and 32 against, as reported by PTI.
Yadav proceeded to introduce the bill, and it is slated for further discussion. During the introductory stage, Elamaram Kareem of CPI (M) voiced opposition, highlighting the role of the Waqf Board in managing religious sites and orphanages across the country. Kareem expressed concerns that tampering with such a sensitive issue could lead to communal division among the people and advocated for the rejection of the bill.
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Similarly, John Brittas, another member of CPI (M), asserted that the bill's primary objective seemed to be creating animosity and polarization among different sections of the population. He emphasized that such legislative efforts could have far-reaching impacts on society, contravening the principles of harmony embedded in the Constitution.
Several other members, including Sandosh Kumar P (CPI), Tiruchi Siva (DMK), and V Sivadasan (CPI-M), voiced similar opinions, condemning the bill for potentially instigating communal tensions.
However, supporters of the bill were not granted an opportunity to present their views, as only those opposing the bill were allowed to speak during the session. The introduction of the Waqf Repeal Bill 2022 has sparked a robust and polarized debate within the Rajya Sabha, reflecting the contentious nature of the proposed legislative change.
