Two JD(U) Leaders Resign Over Support for Waqf Bill, Say ‘Trust of Muslims Lost’

• May 5, 2025

The Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] is facing internal turmoil as senior leader Mohammed Qasim Ansari has resigned in protest against the party's support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024. Ansari expressed that this decision has shattered the trust of the Muslim community. In his resignation letter to Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar, he accused the party of abandoning its secular principles and supporting legislation that he believes is against Muslim interests.

This resignation has exposed growing differences within the party. While JD(U) MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh defended the bill, claiming that it promotes transparency in Waqf Boards, many leaders, including former MLC Ghulam Gaus, have raised concerns. Gaus fears that the bill could lead to the government taking control of Waqf properties, calling it an attempt to seize Muslim-owned lands.

Political strategist Prashant Kishor has also weighed in on the issue, urging JD(U)'s Muslim leaders to resign if the party continues to support the bill. He argued that JD(U) would be more accountable than the BJP if the bill negatively impacts the Muslim community.

Muslim organizations, including Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, have warned JD(U) and other NDA allies against supporting the bill, emphasizing that they will be held responsible for any consequences.

As internal dissent grows, JD(U) faces increasing pressure to reconsider its position on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill to prevent further alienation of its Muslim support base.