JD(U) Faces Backlash Over Support to Waqf Bill Ahead of Bihar Assembly Elections:

The Janata Dal (United), led by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is facing growing unease within its ranks and possible electoral fallout over its support for the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill. While the party continues to defend its stance, dissent from Muslim leaders and criticism from rivals have sparked debate on its electoral prospects in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

Party Leaders Resign, Muslim Leaders Speak Out

The JD(U) supported the Bill in both Houses of Parliament, drawing criticism from Opposition parties and Muslim organizations, who labelled the legislation as "anti-Muslim." At least five party leaders have resigned in protest, although JD(U) has dismissed them as "insignificant."

However, internal discomfort was evident as senior Muslim leaders, including former Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Rasool Baliyawi and MLC Ghulam Gous, questioned the party’s decision. Despite this, JD(U) spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad insisted the Bill was being misunderstood and termed it a "progressive law."

NDA Allies Also Under Pressure

The controversy has also touched other NDA allies in Bihar. Union Minister Chirag Paswan, head of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), acknowledged the Muslim community's anger while defending the Bill's intent. He asserted that every clause was reviewed before support was extended.

Paswan’s position has invited criticism from his uncle and political rival Pashupati Kumar Paras, leader of the RLSP, who said the legislation has "hurt Muslim sentiments."

Shift in Muslim Voter Sentiment

Once known for their secular stance and roots in the JP Narayan-led social justice movement, parties like JD(U) and LJP are now navigating an unfamiliar space involving religious polarization. Their alignment with the BJP-led NDA under PM Narendra Modi has notably weakened their Muslim voter base.

A senior JD(U) functionary admitted the party has lost significant Muslim support:

“Muslims don’t vote against us out of aggression, but they also don’t vote for us meaningfully.”
He cited the 2020 Assembly polls, where all 11 Muslim candidates fielded by JD(U) lost, and recalled the party’s near-wipeout in 2014 after its break with the BJP.

Despite initiatives like riot pensions and minority welfare schemes, the community’s trust has not been regained, the leader said.

RJD Senses Political Opportunity

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), JD(U)'s main rival, has seized on the controversy. RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari claimed the Waqf Bill support has "exposed the hollow secularism" of JD(U) and LJP. He expressed confidence that this issue will strengthen RJD’s position in what may become a one-sided election.