Tejashwi Yadav Slams Waqf Bill, Says It Will Be ‘Thrown into Dustbin’ if RJD Comes to Power in Bihar

Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, asserting that if his party forms the government in Bihar, the legislation will be “consigned to the dustbin.” He also revealed that the RJD has moved the Supreme Court against the Bill, joining other opposition voices questioning its constitutional validity.

Addressing a press conference in Patna, the former Deputy Chief Minister criticised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) for attempting to defend the Bill. “Just look at how JD(U) forced its Muslim leaders to read out a written statement. It was a complete fiasco,” Yadav alleged, shortly after a JD(U) press conference that avoided direct engagement with the media.

Yadav took a swipe at Nitish Kumar’s political alignment, saying,

“It appears that photographs of Nitish Kumar in their offices will soon be replaced by those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Even a child knows the fate that awaits the CM after elections.”

The RJD leader claimed the Waqf Bill violates Article 26 of the Constitution, which guarantees the freedom to manage religious affairs. He alleged that the legislation is aimed at distracting the public from real issues like unemployment and serves the BJP’s politics of polarisation.

“We will not allow this Bill to be implemented in Bihar. It will be scrapped if we come to power,” Yadav said.

He warned that while Muslims are the immediate targets, Sikhs and Christians could be next. He also accused the BJP and the RSS of being against religious minorities and Mandal Hindus, including tribals, Dalits, and OBCs.

Tejashwi also defended the RJD’s move to the Supreme Court against the Patna High Court’s order quashing a hike in reservations for backward castes. “We raised quotas to 65% for deprived castes, but it was struck down on petitions filed by BJP supporters,” he said.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Chirag Paswan countered the opposition’s narrative, accusing them of spreading misinformation.

“They did the same during CAA, Article 370 abrogation, and the Ram Mandir movement. None of these affected Muslims adversely,” he said.

Paswan clarified that the amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995 do not apply retrospectively and will not affect existing properties. Instead, they aim to resolve disputes, improve transparency, and enhance Waqf board operations through technology.

The Waqf Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha late Thursday with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, following its earlier passage in the Lok Sabha by 288 to 232 votes. Originally introduced in August last year, the Bill was amended based on recommendations from a Joint Parliamentary Committee.