In a surprise political development, senior JD(U) leader Mohammed Qasim Ansari resigned from the party, along with his responsibilities, in protest against the party's support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha late Wednesday night, with the JD(U), a key NDA ally, supporting it despite widespread opposition from various quarters, particularly from Muslim communities and their leaders.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill: Key Provisions and Impact

The Waqf Amendment Bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India. It aims to address the shortcomings of the previous act, particularly focusing on the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records. The bill also proposes a more efficient system for the management of waqf boards, potentially streamlining governance. However, the JD(U)'s support for the bill has become a point of contention, especially within the state's Muslim community.

Ansari’s Resignation and Criticism of JD(U)’s Stance

In his resignation letter to JD(U) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Ansari expressed his deep disappointment and disheartenment at the party's support for the Waqf Bill. He wrote that millions of Indian Muslims had placed their trust in JD(U), believing the party to be a protector of secular values, but that faith had been shattered.

He condemned Lalan Singh's speech in the Lok Sabha, criticizing the bill as anti-Muslim and discriminatory. According to Ansari, the bill was not only a violation of constitutional rights, but it also particularly targeted the Pasmanda Muslim community, a marginalized group within Indian Muslims.

Ansari’s letter read:

“The Waqf Bill is against Indian Muslims, and we cannot accept it under any circumstances. This bill violates several fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. It humiliates and insults Indian Muslims while also being discriminatory against the Pasmanda community. Neither you nor your party seem to realize this.”

Reflecting on his years of service to the party, Ansari expressed regret for having dedicated so much time and effort to JD(U), and he resigned from the party's primary membership and all other positions.

Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik's Resignation

In a parallel move, Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik, the Minority State Secretary of JD(U), also resigned from his position in protest against the party’s support for the Waqf Bill. In his resignation letter, Malik criticized Lalan Singh's statement in the Lok Sabha, echoing Ansari’s view that the bill is discriminatory and harmful to the Muslim community in Bihar. Malik further stated that Muslims in the state had lost faith in Nitish Kumar’s leadership due to his party’s stance on the Waqf Bill.

The resignation of both Ansari and Malik signals growing discontent within JD(U)’s minority community leadership, particularly over the party's alliance with the BJP-led NDA government and its handling of Muslim issues. Their departure reflects increasing tensions within the party, as JD(U) has traditionally been seen as a defender of secularism and the rights of marginalized communities.

JD(U)’s Position on Secularism and Minority Welfare

The JD(U) has long prided itself on its commitment to secular values and its advocacy for Muslim welfare. However, with the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill, the party’s position has come under scrutiny. While JD(U) leaders, including Lalan Singh, have defended the bill, emphasizing its potential to improve the management of waqf properties, the opposition to the bill from Muslim leaders and activists has been loud and clear. Critics argue that the bill serves the interests of the central government more than those of the Muslim community.

The Lok Sabha Debate and Voting

The Waqf Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha in the early hours of Thursday, after a marathon debate lasting nearly 12 hours. The bill was approved by a majority vote of 288 in favor and 232 against. Amendments proposed by opposition members were rejected by voice votes, which further fueled the dissatisfaction of opposition parties and minority communities.

Political Fallout and the Road Ahead

The resignations of prominent JD(U) leaders over the Waqf Bill are expected to have significant political repercussions, both within the party and in the broader political landscape of Bihar. With the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections on the horizon, the JD(U)-BJP alliance faces mounting pressure from opposition parties that are likely to capitalize on the party's internal dissent.

The opposition may use this situation to highlight the rifts within the NDA and portray JD(U) as being complicit in policies that undermine Muslim interests. For JD(U) and Nitish Kumar, these resignations are a clear indication of the growing disconnect between the party’s leadership and its minority supporters, a problem that will need to be addressed carefully if the party hopes to maintain its standing among secular voters.

Conclusion: A Test of JD(U)'s Secular Identity

The resignations of Ansari and Malik are a severe blow to JD(U)'s image as a secular party that represents minority communities in Bihar. As the political fallout from the Waqf Bill continues to unfold, Nitish Kumar and JD(U) will face difficult questions about their alignment with the BJP and their stance on issues of minority welfare and constitutional rights. The coming weeks will determine whether the party can reconcile these tensions or whether the crisis will escalate further.

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