Katihar, Bihar — In a significant pre-election pledge, Tejashwi Yadav, the Chief Ministerial candidate for the opposition INDIA bloc, announced that his government would repeal the Waqf (Amendment) Act if the alliance secures victory in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
Addressing a rally in the Muslim-majority district of Katihar on Sunday, Yadav criticized Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for allegedly aligning with communal forces, accusing him of enabling the spread of divisive politics in the state. He stated, “My father, Lalu Prasad, never compromised with communal forces. But Nitish Kumar has always supported them. Because of him, RSS and its affiliates are spreading hatred across the country. The BJP should be called the ‘Bharat Jalao Party’.”
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, passed by Parliament in April 2025, has been a point of contention. Proponents argue that the law ensures transparency and empowers backward Muslims and women, while critics, including Yadav, contend that it infringes upon the rights of the Muslim community.
Yadav’s remarks have sparked debate regarding the authority of state governments to overturn central legislation. Legal experts suggest that while a state government can influence the implementation of central laws within its jurisdiction, outright repeal would require parliamentary approval.
In addition to his stance on the Waqf Act, Yadav pledged to establish a Seemanchal Development Authority to address regional disparities and promote growth in the underdeveloped Seemanchal region, comprising Purnia, Araria, Kishanganj, and Katihar districts.
As the election approaches, the INDIA bloc’s position on the Waqf (Amendment) Act remains a focal point in Bihar’s political discourse.
