Discontent In JD(U) Over Support For Waqf Bill, 2 Party Leaders Resign Amid Voting In Parliament
While the Waqf Bill has been cleared in Lok Sabha and is being debated in Rajya Sabha, several party leaders have expressed dissatisfaction among the Muslim leaders, sources have said.
There has been a growing discontent in Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) over the party's support of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Parliament.
While the Waqf Bill has been cleared in Lok Sabha and is being debated in Rajya Sabha, several party leaders have expressed dissatisfaction among the Muslim leaders, sources have said.
In a significant political development on Thursday, JD(U) leaders Mohammad Qasim and Mohammed Nawaz Malik resigned from the party in protest over the party's support for Waqf Bill.
Senior JD(U) leader Mohammed Kasim Ansari resigns from the party and all his posts over the party's stand on #WaqfAmendmentBill
— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2025
"...I am disheartened that I gave several years of my life to the party," his letter reads. pic.twitter.com/dCG5JrPk7b
Meanwhile, JDU MLC Ghulam Gaus and the party’s national general secretary Ghulam Rasool Baliyavi have also expressed their displeasure over the issue.
Sources have said that there is a growing discontent among Muslim leaders in the JD(U) and more resignations could follow.
They added that Baliyavi is considering an exit amid increasing pressure from Muslim organisations and community groups.
Mohammad Qasim’s Resignation Letter
Senior JD(U) leader Mohammed Qasim Ansari, in a letter to JD(U) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, expressed deep disappointment, saying the party’s stance had shattered the trust of millions of Indian Muslims who believed JD(U) would uphold secular values.
In his letter to Kumar, Qasim, who has served as the district spokesperson in East Champaran, said, "Millions of Indian Muslims like us had unwavering faith in you as a flag bearer of a truly secular ideology. However, that belief has now been shattered. The stand taken by JD(U) on the Waqf Bill Amendment Act 2024 has deeply shocked millions of dedicated Indian Muslims and activists. We are extremely disheartened by the manner in which Lallan Singh delivered his speech and supported this bill in the Lok Sabha."
He cited the party's support for the controversial bill as the primary reason for his departure. He also sent copies of his resignation letter to state JDU chief Umesh Kushwaha and district president Manju Devi. He also criticised JDU parliamentary leader Lalan Singh’s statement in favour of the bill, calling it deeply distressing.
"The Wakf Bill goes against the interests of Indian Muslims. Under no circumstances can we accept it. This legislation violates several fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution and seeks to humiliate and marginalise Muslims. It is also discriminatory towards Pasmanda Muslims, a reality neither you nor your party seem to acknowledge. I regret having dedicated several years of my life to this party," Qasim said, before announcing his resignation from both primary membership and all party responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Nawaz Malik, the state secretary of JD(U)'s Minority Front, has also resigned, expressing anger over the party's support for the Waqf Bill.
"The Waqf Bill is against Indian Muslims. We cannot accept it under any circumstances. This bill violates many fundamental rights of the Constitution. Through this bill, Indian Muslims are being humiliated and insulted... Neither you nor your party realises this," he Malik said in the letter.
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