Patna, April 5, 2025 — RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday fiercely opposed the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, promising to “toss it into the dustbin” if his party comes to power in Bihar. Yadav also confirmed that his party has moved the Supreme Court against the bill, calling it an attack on the rights of minorities.
He ridiculed Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) for backing the legislation and accused the party of scrambling to justify the bill’s supposed benefits for Muslims. “They’re trying hard, but without success, to prove that the Bill will benefit Muslims,” he said, slamming a JD(U) press conference as a “fiasco” where Muslim leaders were allegedly pushed to defend the bill.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, passed in both Houses of Parliament this week, has sparked backlash from minority groups and opposition parties. Critics claim it centralizes control over Waqf properties and undermines community rights.
Tejashwi didn’t hold back from mocking the JD(U), suggesting the party is slipping into BJP’s fold. “Soon, Nitish Kumar’s portraits might be replaced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s. Even a child knows what’s coming after the elections,” he said.
He also accused the BJP of pushing the bill to distract from real issues like unemployment. “We won’t let this Bill be implemented in Bihar. If we form the government, it’ll go straight to the dustbin,” Yadav declared, warning that today’s targeting of Muslims could lead to other minority groups being next.
Meanwhile, JD(U) defended its decision to support the bill, claiming its five suggestions were accepted by the Centre. “Our party backed the bill only after our conditions were met,” JD(U) leader Anjum Ara stated. But the explanation failed to quell criticism, especially after five JD(U) leaders reportedly resigned in protest.
The bill passed the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favor and 95 against. In the Lok Sabha, it cleared with 288 supporting and 232 opposing.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), which had urged secular parties to resist the bill, said the support from certain parties exposed their “secular facade.”
