In a contentious session at the Rajya Sabha, Harnath Singh Yadav, a Member of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), introduced a private member bill with the aim of repealing the Waqf Act of 1995.
The Waqf Repeal Bill 2022 encountered significant opposition from various political parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), leading to a division of votes.
Despite the protests, the bill’s introduction was sanctioned, with 53 members in favor and 32 against, according to PTI.
Yadav proceeded to present the bill, and it is scheduled for further deliberation. During the introductory phase, Elamaram Kareem of the CPI (M) expressed dissent, emphasising the role of the Waqf Board in overseeing religious sites and orphanages nationwide.
Kareem voiced apprehensions that interfering with such a sensitive matter could potentially result in communal divisions and advocated for the bill’s rejection.
Similarly, John Brittas, another member of the CPI (M), contended that the bill appeared to be designed to sow discord and polarization among different segments of the population. He underscored the far-reaching societal impacts that such legislative endeavors could have, potentially contradicting the constitutional principles of harmony.
Numerous other members, including Sandosh Kumar P (CPI), Tiruchi Siva (DMK), and V Sivadasan (CPI-M), expressed similar sentiments, condemning the bill for its perceived potential to fuel communal tensions.
However, proponents of the bill were not afforded the opportunity to present their perspectives, as only those opposing the bill were granted speaking time during the session. The introduction of the Waqf Repeal Bill 2022 has ignited a robust and polarised debate within the Rajya Sabha, underscoring the contentious nature of the proposed legislative change.
