The Janata Dal (United), a key ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party, is facing a wave of resignations following its support for the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament. Two more leaders, Tabrez Siddiqui Alig and Dilshan Rayeen, have quit the party, citing their disagreement with JD(U) chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s stance. The latest exits follow the resignations of senior leaders Mohammed Qasim Ansari and Mohammed Nawaz Malik, who had earlier stepped down in protest, calling the legislation “anti-constitutional and anti-Muslim.”
Despite these resignations, the JD(U) has dismissed reports of internal discord, stating that the Waqf Bill is a “ray of hope” for marginalized Muslims. The party remains firm in its position, asserting that the amendments aim to bring transparency and better governance to Waqf properties.
JD(U) Leader’s Strongly-Worded Resignation
Tabrez Siddiqui Alig, in his resignation letter posted on X, addressed Nitish Kumar directly, stepping down as State General Secretary and relinquishing his primary membership in the party. He expressed deep disappointment over the JD(U)’s support for the Bill, which he believes contradicts the party’s long-held commitment to secularism and minority rights.
“The statements made in the Lok Sabha by Lalan Singh in support of this Bill are extremely disappointing and disheartening. This Bill strikes at the constitutional rights of Indian Muslims and appears to be an attempt to push the entire Muslim community to the margins,” he wrote. Siddiqui also warned that the party’s stance could have severe electoral consequences in Bihar’s 2025 Assembly Elections, predicting widespread dissatisfaction and potential defections from the JD(U).
Congress and Opposition Leaders React
Congress leader Udit Raj took a sharp dig at Nitish Kumar, accusing him of betraying Muslims. He called upon all Muslim leaders within the JD(U) to resign, arguing that staying in the party would be tantamount to “betraying their community.”
Meanwhile, Independent MP Pappu Yadav claimed that Nitish Kumar’s influence within his own party is waning, stating that “JD(U) is no longer in Nitish Kumar ji’s control.” He further suggested that the BJP may not even require Nitish Kumar’s support when the voting process in Bihar concludes, hinting at potential shifts in the state’s political landscape.
