It's election season in Bihar, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has encountered a significant setback from the minority community. Muslim religious organizations have decided to boycott Nitish's Iftar party, driven by discontent over the JDU's support for the Waqf Amendment Bill. This event is scheduled for Sunday in Patna.
The NDA government, led by JDU in Bihar, includes BJP, LJP (R), and Hindustani Awam Morcha. The Modi government is preparing to introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. In February 2025, the Modi Cabinet approved 14 amendments proposed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee, concerning Waqf property registration, dispute resolution, and the structure of Waqf boards. Some opposition parties have raised objections to certain provisions of the bill. Both the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi have voiced their opposition.
What did Muslim organizations decide?
Leading Muslim organizations like Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and Imarat-e-Sharia have taken a decisive step, choosing to boycott Iftar, Eid Milan, and other functions, considering the stance of NDA allies Nitish Kumar, N Chandrababu Naidu, and Chirag Paswan on the Waqf Amendment Bill. The boycotting organizations include Imarat Sharia, Jamaat-e-Islami, Jamaat Ahle Hadeeth, Khanqah Mujibiya, Muslim Personal Law Board, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, and Khanqah Rahmani. They urge other Muslim groups to maintain distance as well.
Why was the boycott decided?
Moulvi Saeedur Rahman, the General Secretary of Imarat Sharia, told Aaj Tak that their religious organizations will not participate in the Iftar party hosted by Nitish Kumar. Due to JDU's support for the central government's Waqf Amendment Bill, they've decided to boycott the Chief Minister's Iftar gathering.
Jamiat chief Maulana Arshad Madani accused these leaders of backing the government's 'unconstitutional actions' in a statement.
What did RJD say?
Meanwhile, RJD welcomed the boycott of Nitish Kumar's Iftar party. RJD spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed supported the decision of Muslim religious organizations, saying JDU practices double standards with Muslims, supporting the Waqf Bill on one hand and hosting an Iftar on the other. Both cannot coexist. JDU, TDP, and LJP (R) all align with the BJP's agenda.
RJD targeted BJP, stating - when we host Iftar, they critique us. When Nitish organizes it, they remain silent. RJD said - we wear both the bindi and the cap. Our leader Tejashwi Yadav visits temples and attends Iftar.
JDU's Response
JDU spokesperson Naval Sharma stated that Nitish Kumar's commitment to secularism is well-known. Over the past two decades, he's shown unparalleled concern for the dignity and livelihoods of minorities in Bihar. Nitish Kumar has been hosting Iftar parties for years. It's nothing new. However, RJD, who once grabbed cemetery lands and starved madrasa teachers, and shielded the accused in the Bhagalpur riots, now has no stance to talk on the matter.
BJP counters RJD
BJP spokesperson Prabhakar Mishra condemned the boycott, explaining it stemmed from supporting the Waqf Amendment Bill, a campaign furthered by the RJD. The amendment aims to protect Waqf board properties worth millions from illegal encroachments and misuse. Muslims need not worry. Muslim religious organization members are urged to distance themselves from RJD's antics – focusing only on your vote bank. Nitish Kumar leads the NDA on the principles of inclusive growth, unity, and harmony.
