Fifth JDU Leader Quits Over Waqf Bill Support, Slams Party's Secular Stand:

A fifth leader from the Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) has resigned, citing opposition to the party's support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Tabrez Hasan, vice president of the JDU youth wing, is the latest to leave the party.

Previous Resignations from Minority Leaders

Before Hasan, four other leaders had quit over the same issue:

Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik – State Secretary, JDU Minority Cell

Mohammad Tabrez Siddiqui – State General Secretary from Aligarh

Mohammad Dilshan Rain – Member from Bhojpur

Mohammad Qasim Ansari – Former JDU candidate

Resignation Letter Criticizes Party’s Shift

Hasan submitted his resignation to JDU chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday. In his letter, he said that the party’s support for the Waqf Bill had eroded the trust of Muslim voters, who once believed in the JDU’s secular image.

“I had hoped you would maintain your secular image, but you chose to stand with forces that have repeatedly worked against Muslims,” he wrote, referring to earlier legislative decisions such as the abrogation of Article 370, the triple talaq law, and the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Waqf Bill Faces Opposition Labeling It ‘Anti-Muslim’

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has been heavily criticized by opposition parties and religious groups, who describe it as discriminatory against Muslims. Despite the backlash, the bill passed in Parliament during a late-night session.

Bill Passed After Heated Parliamentary Debate

The Rajya Sabha passed the bill with 128 votes in favor and 95 against, after earlier approval in the Lok Sabha where the bill saw 288 MPs supporting it and 232 opposing.

Hasan Calls Resignation a ‘New Beginning’

Calling his decision carefully considered, Hasan said, “This is not the end of my responsibility, but a new beginning.” He has not yet announced his next political move.