The Rajya Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on April 4 with 128 votes in favour and 95 against. The Lok Sabha had earlier cleared the Bill following a lengthy debate, with 288 members voting in favour and 232 opposing it.
The CEC stated that wherever democracy was present, electoral rolls and election processes were different, and in some countries, electronic voting systems were used.
Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala on Friday questioned the Election Commission and the Central government for not responding to US politician Tulsi Gabbard's remarks on the vulnerability of Electronic Voting Machines.
An Election Commission of India (ECI) source on Saturday said that some countries use Electronic Voting Machines which are a mix of multiple systems, machines and processes which also include internet and other private network.
Sujeet Kumar further questioned BJD's approach towards the Waqf (Amendment) Act and stated that they are 'confused'. He said that one MP, Sasmit Patra, supported the bill, whereas Muzibulla Khan opposed it. Kumar added that one BJD MP was absent during voting on the Waqf Amendment Bill.
"This is against the basic spirit of the Constitution. According to Rule 37, the time of the House in Rajya Sabha is until 6 PM, and it has not been extended. An 8-hour discussion was supposed to take place, starting at 1 PM and ending at 9 PM, but voting happened at 2:20 AM, and the House c
Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sanjay Raut slams the Waqf Amendment Bill, questioning its intentions and BJP's role. He doubts whether voting will even take place in Parliament, citing past disruptions and alleging political motives related to Bihar elections.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan has directed the party's Members of Parliament (MPs) to participate in the voting process and vote in favor of the bill, which is aimed at modernizing the Waqf Act.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor welcomed US President Donald Trump's acknowledgment of India's voter ID system in his executive order on election reforms, highlighting its reliability and global recognition.
Citing examples of India and some other nations, the US president stated that voters will now be required to show proof of citizenship during federal elections and restricted the time states are able to receive mail-in votes.