JDU Faces Backlash for Backing Waqf Bill

The Waqf Amendment Bill's passage has sparked unrest within JDU, particularly among Muslim leaders in Bihar.

- TIKAM SHARMA

Following the successful passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in both the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament, unrest has emerged within the Janata Dal (United), a crucial ally of the NDA. The JDU played an instrumental role in ensuring the Bill's passage in Parliament. However, this has led to growing dissatisfaction within the party, particularly among its Muslim leaders.

The Bihar-based party, headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is facing internal challenges, as several Muslim leaders have tendered their resignations in protest over the JDU's backing of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, which was passed earlier in the week.

Notably, the Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled to take place later this year, and the Waqf Amendment Bill is expected to have a significant impact on the state's political dynamics. Bihar is home to a sizeable Muslim population, whose votes are considered critical in determining the election results. As per a caste-based survey carried out by the state government, Muslims account for nearly 17.70% of Bihar's total population.

According to party insiders, Muslim votes are decisive in at least 50 of the 243 Assembly constituencies across Bihar.

Simultaneously, numerous Muslim leaders from the JDU have publicly expressed disappointment with the party's position on the Waqf Amendment Bill. While some have already stepped down, others are reportedly seeking a meeting with Kumar to voice their objections.

In the past, JDU MLC Gulam Gaus and former MP Ahmad Ashfaque Karim had vehemently opposed the party's support for the Bill. They said they had expected Kumar to take a different stance in the Lok Sabha.

"We were shocked to learn that JDU had supported the Bill in the Lok Sabha," they commented.