Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav extended their support to the nationwide protest organized by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
Addressing the gathering in Patna, Tejashwi assured protestors that the RJD firmly stands against what he called an “unconstitutional” and “undemocratic” bill.
“We have opposed this bill in Parliament, Vidhan Sabha, and Vidhan Parishad. Today, we even moved an adjournment motion demanding a discussion, but the House was adjourned. We want to tell you that we are with you, and we will make every effort to ensure this bill is not passed,” Tejashwi said.
He emphasized that his party believes in the values of the Constitution and India’s composite culture (Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb), vowing to resist any attempt to weaken the rights of the minority community.
Tejashwi also took a dig at the BJP-led government, accusing it of attempting to “divide the country, dismantle democracy, and weaken the Constitution.” He alleged that some political parties, driven by power ambitions, were supporting the bill, but stressed that “if we fight unitedly, we will win.”
The AIMPLB protest, which has gained nationwide traction, aims to push back against the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act.
BJP MP and chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Jagadambika Pal, dismissed AIMPLB’s agitation, accusing the board of misleading the Muslim community for political gains.
“The law has not even been passed yet, and AIMPLB is already protesting in a planned political move. They are trying to create unnecessary panic,” Pal stated.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to introduce reforms such as digitization of records, stricter audits, increased transparency, and legal measures to reclaim illegally occupied Waqf properties. The government argues that the amendments will ensure Waqf assets are used appropriately for the welfare of the community and the nation.
Despite the BJP’s defense of the bill, opposition leaders and minority groups remain vocal in their resistance, setting the stage for a heated political battle over the proposed amendments.
