The political climate in Bihar is heating up over the Waqf Amendment Bill. Amidst whispers of internal dissent within the ruling JDU, a press conference was hastily convened by Muslim leaders on Saturday. Despite significant opposition from within the ranks, including three Muslim leaders who have been vocally critical of the bill, awkward tension marked the event. When questioned about their attendance, these figures swiftly exited the proceedings, prompting the RJD to accuse the JDU of orchestrating the conference as a damage control measure.
Recently, both houses of the parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill, with the NDA ally JDU backing it. Reports of dissatisfaction among the party's Muslim leaders surfaced, with three resigning in protest. In a bid to mend these rifts, the JDU high command intensified its efforts, culminating in Saturday's press conference.
Who Attended the Conference
Present at the event were Shia Waqf Board Chairman Afzal Abbas, JDU Minority Cell President Ashraf Ansari, MLC Ghulam Gaus, former Rajya Sabha MP Ashfaq Karim, Sunni Waqf Board Chairman Anjum Ara, along with Kahkasha Parveen and Salim Parvez. Notably, the conference included leaders Ghulam Gaus, Afzal Abbas, and Ashfaq Karim, who have been opposing the amendment for the past three days.
'All Suggestions Accepted'
JDU leader Anjum Ara stated, “All five suggestions we presented to the JPC regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill have been accepted.” However, the leaders conducting the press conference did not entertain any questions, which triggered controversy.
'All Loyal Party Members'
JDU spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan explained, “This is democracy; it's impossible to force anyone to sit. Our leaders, dedicated to the party and aligned with Nitish Ji for years, believe in disseminating accurate information once misunderstandings about the bill are cleared.”
'All Stand with Nitish'
JDU MLC Khalid emphasized, “JDU’s leaders came forward to affirm their alignment with leader Nitish Kumar and the progressive faction. Our party stands as a beacon of democracy, responsible to the public, who are content. We believe this bill serves the public good, as clarified by the Center, and we support it accordingly.”
The media's inquiries concerning opposing leaders went unaddressed in the press conference. Following a brief disagreement with the press, the event concluded. Ashfaq Karim, when queried by Aaj Tak about his stance on the bill, departed in his car without responding. Likewise, Shia Waqf Board Chairman and JDU leader Afzal Abbas, questioned about his shifting stance, evaded answers and left the venue swiftly.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav shared his opinion on the unfolding debate with Muslim leaders within the JDU. In response to Aaj Tak, he commented, “Muslim leaders faced compulsion and coercion to attend the press conference, under threats concerning their MLC status, leading to their reluctant participation.”
