After Lok Sabha, waqf bill debate, vote go beyond midnight in Rajya Sabha

NEW DELHI: Just like in Lok Sabha the previous day, the debate in Rajya Sabha on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the subsequent vote on Thursday stretched well past midnight and was continuing at the time of going to press.

The debate, again like in Lok Sabha, followed a partisan alignment. NDA , with support from 'secular' allies, appeared to hold a clear edge, and was likely to prevail in the showdown - an outcome that would clear the way for enactment of the new law to regulate Islamic endowments spanning lakhs of acres and other assets across the country worth lakhs of crore.

Although the proceedings followed the 'secular-communal' faultline, it was not bereft of a surprise element - YSRCP and BJD's decision to withdraw its whip to leave its seven members to vote as "per their conscience" - a move which should potentially clear the way for a couple of unexpected votes for the governing side.