If INDIA Bloc Comes to Power in Bihar, Waqf Amendment Act Will Be “Thrown into the Dustbin,” Says Tejashwi Yadav

Katihar: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and INDIA Bloc’s chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav has said that if his alliance forms the government in Bihar, the Waqf (Amendment) Act, introduced by the Modi government at the Centre, will be “thrown into the dustbin.”

Addressing a massive public rally in the Muslim-majority region of Katihar on Sunday, Tejashwi Yadav launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the BJP, accusing them of spreading communal hatred across the country.

“My father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, has never compromised with communal forces. But Nitish Kumar has always supported them. It is because of him that the RSS and its affiliates are spreading hatred not just in Bihar, but across India,” he said.

Tejashwi added, “The BJP should be called the ‘Bharat Jalao Party’ (Burn India Party). If the INDIA Bloc comes to power, we will throw the Waqf Amendment Act into the dustbin.”

What Is the Waqf (Amendment) Act?

The Act was passed by Parliament in April 2024. According to the Central Government, it aims to bring transparency to the management of Waqf properties and empower women and backward sections within Waqf institutions.

However, opposition parties and Muslim organizations have criticized the law, calling it an attack on the religious and property rights of Muslims. They argue that it reduces the authority of Waqf Boards and opens the door for government interference in community-owned assets.

Criticism of Nitish Kumar Government

Tejashwi Yadav accused the Nitish Kumar-led government of failing the state over the past two decades. “The Chief Minister has lost his mental balance. Corruption exists in every department, and law and order have completely collapsed. People are tired of this government,” he said.

He further alleged that the NDA government has done nothing for the development of the Seemanchal region, which has a large Muslim population. “When we come to power, we will establish a Seemanchal Development Authority to ensure the region’s overall progress,” he announced.

Significance of Seemanchal Region

The Seemanchal belt includes the districts of Purnea, Araria, Kishanganj, and Katihar — areas with the highest concentration of Muslim voters in Bihar. The region is expected to play a decisive role in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Promises and Welfare Plans

Tejashwi reiterated his commitment to public welfare, highlighting the issue of pensions for senior citizens. “We had promised to increase the old-age pension. Nitish Kumar copied our idea and raised it from ₹400 to ₹1,100. When we return to power, we will raise it to ₹2,000 per month,” he declared.

Tejashwi’s fiery speech in Katihar was seen as a clear attempt to consolidate support among Muslim voters and position the INDIA Bloc as a strong alternative to the NDA in Bihar.