Opposition INDIA bloc to participate in Waqf Bill debate, demand division of votes
New Delhi: The opposition INDIA bloc has unanimously decided to participate in the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and seek a division of votes during its passage. The decision was reached at a meeting on Tuesday evening, attended by all opposition parties.
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas confirmed that opposition parties will vote against the Bill and coordinate with YSRCP and BJD for support. Floor leaders will decide which clauses to oppose during the debate. He emphasized that the opposition views the Bill as undermining secular principles rather than treating it as a community-specific issue.
CPI MP Sandosh Kumar noted that 36 MPs participated in the meeting, all expressing a unified stance. Despite the ruling party’s numerical advantage, he asserted that the opposition would participate in the debate without resorting to walkouts or disruptions.
Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav stated that opposition parties would stand united and support amendments while demanding a division of votes. IUML MP ET Muhammed Basheer reiterated that the INDIA bloc would strongly oppose the Bill, citing perceived injustices.
DMK MP Kanimozhi accused the BJP of divisive politics, affirming opposition to the amendment. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant pointed out that the opposition had stood united when a Joint Parliamentary Committee was formed for the Bill and would continue to do so.
Lok Sabha will discuss the Bill today, with the Rajya Sabha expected to take it up on Thursday. Both Houses have been allocated eight hours each for the debate.
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Vote rigging charges against MLA DN Jeevaraj: HC grants interim stay on FIR
Bengaluru: Karnataka High Court has issued an interim stay on the FIR against Sringeri legislator DN Jeevaraj, who is accused of vote rigging.
A vacation bench consisting of Justice V Sreeshananda heard on Tuesday the BJP MLA’s plea urging the HC to quash the case against him.
After hearing the arguments, the judge granted an interim stay on the case against Jeevaraj.
The hearing of the case has been adjourned to Thursday, May 7.
