The Waqf Amendment Bill’s passage has sparked unrest within JDU, particularly among Muslim leaders in Bihar.
DARBHANGA/BIHAR: Following the successful passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in both the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament, unrest has emerged within the Janata Dal (United), a crucial ally of the NDA. The JDU played an instrumental role in ensuring the Bill’s passage in Parliament. However, this has led to growing dissatisfaction within the party, particularly among its Muslim leaders. The Bihar-based party, headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is facing internal challenges, as several Muslim leaders have tendered their resignations in protest over the JDU’s backing of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, which was passed earlier in the week.
Notably, the Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled to take place later this year, and the Waqf Amendment Bill is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s political dynamics. Bihar is home to a sizeable Muslim population, whose votes are considered critical in determining the election results. As per a caste-based survey carried out by the state government, Muslims account for nearly 17.70% of Bihar’s total population. According to party insiders, Muslim votes are decisive in at least 50 of the 243 Assembly constituencies across Bihar.
Simultaneously, numerous Muslim leaders from the JDU have publicly expressed disappointment with the party’s position on the Waqf Amendment Bill. While some have already stepped down, others are reportedly seeking a meeting with Kumar to voice their objections. In the past, JDU MLC Gulam Gaus and former MP Ahmad Ashfaque Karim had vehemently opposed the party’s support for the Bill. They said they had expected Kumar to take a different stance in the Lok Sabha.
“We were shocked to learn that JDU had supported the Bill in the Lok Sabha,” they commented.
Meanwhile, anticipating possible demonstrations, the Bihar police headquarters has issued a state-wide alert following the Bill’s approval in the Lok Sabha. This move comes amid intelligence inputs suggesting the possibility of protest rallies being organised by certain Muslim groups. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Law and Order, Pankaj Darad, confirmed that the alert had been triggered by concerns that discontent over the Waqf Amendment Bill could lead to public agitation across parts of the state.
The Sunday Guardian undertook an in-depth ground-level reportage in different parts of Bihar to evaluate public opinion regarding the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill. The objective was to gather a broad spectrum of views, especially from individuals who would be directly affected by the new legislation. During this exercise, the newspaper interacted with local residents, including numerous members of the Muslim community, to gauge their reactions and perceptions regarding the Bill and its associated political ramifications.
Among those who voiced their opinion was Kaynat Khatoon, a local resident who conveyed her approval of the Waqf Amendment Bill. Articulating her viewpoint, she remarked that for years, political parties and leaders have made assurances to the Muslim community, particularly during election seasons, but failed to follow through once in office. She pointed out that Muslims have frequently been treated as a vote bank, receiving little in terms of actual development or improvements in infrastructure within their localities. Nevertheless, she believes that the current government, led by Kumar as part of the JDU-NDA alliance, has demonstrated a more sincere interest in the community’s welfare. In her perspective, the government’s endorsement of the Waqf Bill is a step toward instilling accountability and transparency in the management of Waqf properties, which—if enforced effectively—could serve the community directly rather than being exploited by influential individuals.
Echoing a similar sentiment, Shajid Khan, a shopkeeper from Darbhanga, also expressed satisfaction with the government’s initiatives. He mentioned having noticed a change in the government’s attitude toward the Muslim community in recent times. According to him, previous administrations often neglected the day-to-day issues faced by Muslims in semi-urban and rural settings. But under Kumar’s leadership, he feels the JDU has implemented tangible measures to uplift the socio-economic conditions of Muslims. Khan highlighted enhancements in infrastructure, easier access to welfare schemes, and a more inclusive governmental approach. These developments, he said, have fostered a renewed sense of trust and optimism among people like him who had long felt marginalised from the political mainstream.
Conversely, Asfak Ahmed Khan voiced strong criticism of the Waqf Amendment Bill. He contended that the legislation is intrinsically anti-Muslim and accused the government of pursuing a broader agenda to marginalise the community. In his opinion, the Bill directly threatens the rights and autonomy of Muslims over their religious and charitable assets. Khan alleged that the government’s real motive is not to protect Waqf lands but to gain control over them under the pretence of reform.
“This Bill is just a tool to grab our lands and suppress our voice,” he declared, underlining the growing apprehension among sections of the community who interpret the legislation as a deliberate attempt to undermine their heritage and existing legal protections.
A political analyst told the newspaper that, at a broader level, the sentiments within the Muslim community present a complex and gradually evolving picture. Although skepticism regarding political pledges remains widespread, there is increasing recognition that practical steps on the ground are influencing public opinion. For many, the Waqf Amendment Bill is viewed not just as a legislative measure but as a symbolic initiative by the government to tackle entrenched issues—especially those concerning the mismanagement and exploitation of Waqf assets. This evolving sentiment stands in contrast to the discontent expressed by several Muslim leaders within the JDU, highlighting the divided and nuanced opinions surrounding this highly sensitive issue.