RLD Under Pressure Over Waqf Support

RLD faces internal dissent after backing Waqf Amendment Bill, straining ties with Muslim supporters.

- TIKAM SHARMA

After the Janata Dal United (JDU), the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) is now facing pressure over its support of the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament. The bill, which was passed with a full majority in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha earlier last week, has triggered internal dissent within the RLD—particularly among its Muslim leaders and supporters.

Many within the party did not anticipate the RLD's backing of the bill, and its stance has reportedly created significant discontent among the party's minority leaders. This dissatisfaction mirrors the unrest recently seen in the JDU, where some leaders resigned in protest against the party's position on the bill. Political observers now suggest that the RLD could face a similar exodus if the situation is not handled carefully.

Several RLD leaders from the Muslim community have already expressed their disappointment, hinting that more resignations may follow in the coming days.