RJD Pledges to Reject Waqf Amendment Bill if Elected in Bihar
Tejashwi Yadav’s Stance on Waqf Bill
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav has promised to “discard the Waqf Amendment Bill” if his party wins the Bihar elections. He announced this at a press conference on Saturday.
RJD Challenges Waqf Bill in Supreme Court
Yadav also disclosed that the RJD has filed a petition against the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Supreme Court. Bihar is set to hold assembly elections later this year.
President’s Approval of Waqf Amendment Bill
Yadav’s statement was made on the same day that President Droupadi Murmu approved the bill. The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Friday with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, and in the Lok Sabha at around 2 am on Thursday with 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
Waqf Amendment Bill Becomes Law
Following the president’s approval, the Waqf Bill has become law. A waqf is a property dedicated to a religious, educational, or charitable cause under Islamic law. Each state has a waqf board led by a legal entity that has the power to acquire, hold, and transfer property.
Proposed Changes to Waqf Act
The 2024 Waqf Amendment Bill proposed changes to 44 sections of the 1995 Waqf Act, including allowing non-Muslims on waqf boards, restricting property donations, and altering how waqf tribunals function.
RJD Opposes Waqf Bill in Parliament
On Saturday, Yadav stated that all RJD MPs had opposed the Waqf Bill in both Houses of Parliament as it violates Article 26 of the Constitution, which deals with freedom to manage religious affairs. He criticized the bill for diverting public attention away from pressing issues like unemployment and aiding the BJP in its politics of polarization.
Yadav Criticizes Bihar CM for Silence on Waqf Bill
Yadav also criticized Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar for “remaining silent” during the Waqf Bill discussions. He argued that this shows how the government is being run in Bihar.
Janata Dal (United) Backs Waqf Bill
The Janata Dal (United) supported the Waqf Bill, claiming that it was not against Muslims. The party had previously stated that the bill aimed to ensure transparency in the operation of the waqf boards and was not an attempt to interfere with mosques. However, it urged the Union government not to implement the bill with retrospective effect.
Muslim Organizations Boycott Nitish Kumar’s Iftar Dinner
On March 23, several Muslim organizations in Bihar boycotted an Iftar dinner hosted by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at his home in Patna on Sunday, citing the Janata Dal (United)’s support for the bill.
Telugu Desam Party Supports Waqf Bill
The Telugu Desam Party also declared its support for the bill.
