ISLAMABAD, April 13: The MMA’s demand for appointment of its nominee as leader of opposition in the Senate has triggered a controversy, creating a rift in the fragmented opposition in the upper house.

The total strength of the combined opposition in the 100-seat house is 42 against the treasury’s 58. Two major opposition alliances – Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal and the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy — have 21 senators each.

However, chief of Jamiat Ahle Hadith Prof Sajid Mir announcement about never having signed the ARD list of allied senators came as a surprised on Wednesday.

ARD sources rejected Saijid Mir’s claim and said no such list had yet been prepared so the question of its signing did not arise.

The MMA made a formal demand for appointment of its candidate, claiming support of 22 senators against ARD’s 20.

The MMA also appeared to be divided over the nomination of the opposition leader with the Jamaat-i-Islami and the JUI vying for the top slot.

While the JI is supporting for Prof Khurshid Ahmed, the JUI-F is backing Maulana Gul Nasib for the top slot. The ARD and allied parties are favouring former opposition leader Mian Raza Rabbani for the same slot.

In reply to a question, MMA’s secretary-general Maulana Fazlur Rahman said: “There is nothing wrong with making a demand on the basis of parliamentary majority support.”