The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has created political unrest in Bihar, with a number of Muslim leaders of the Janata Dal (United) resigning in protest. But top JD(U) leadership has dismissed the resignations, terming the rebellion as insignificant.
JD(U) National General Secretary Rajiv Ranjan downplayed the importance of those quitting. "Who are these individuals? They were never a part of the organizational framework of the party. These are pseudo people," he said, undermining the internal schism.
Ranjan claimed that the party is united on the Bill and pointed out that JD(U)'s suggestions were included during the Joint Parliamentary Committee's discussion. "Whatever inputs we gave were taken on board. Now, it will become the law of the nation. This is certainly good news for the Muslim community," he further said.
Supporting this position, JD(U) MLA Gopal Mandal came to the defense of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and averred that the Bill is in the interest of Muslims. "No Muslim is upset with Nitish Kumar. He has done more for Muslims than Lalu Prasad ever did. Some people are attempting to defame him with ulterior motives," Mandal stated.
When questioned on the possible political backlash and fears that JD(U) will lose Muslim voters, Mandal was nonchalant. "The Chief Minister will meet the people who have resigned. This Bill is pro-Muslim, and all will be well. JD(U) will not lose any assembly seats due to it," he said.
In a visible expression of discontent, meanwhile, posters describing Nitish Kumar as a "Girgit" (chameleon) have surfaced in Patna—sounding the perception among some quarters that the Chief Minister has switched political positions for convenience.
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