New Delhi [India], April 6: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha launched a strong attack on Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), accusing him of compromising his party’s values in his pursuit of power. Sinha’s remarks were directed at Yadav’s past decisions, specifically referencing a statement made by his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, about Bihar’s unity.
Speaking to ANI, Sinha said, “Tejashwi Yadav is the son of the father who had said that Bihar would be divided over my dead body; however, due to his greed for power and appeasement, he was the first to rush forward and adopt the central government’s decision… People with such a mentality can make any compromise in their greed for power.”
Sinha’s comments were in reference to the demand for a separate state of Jharkhand, which was created on November 15, 2000. Although Lalu Prasad Yadav, then Chief Minister of Bihar, initially resisted the bifurcation, he eventually relented, leading to the creation of Jharkhand. The state was formed due to the long-standing demands of tribal groups and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which led to a significant reduction in Bihar’s geographical area and resources.
Sinha’s criticism comes amid rising political tensions following the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The bill has triggered resignations within the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) and sharp opposition from the RJD. On Saturday, Tejashwi Yadav condemned the bill, stating that if his party returned to power in Bihar, it would be “thrown in the dustbin.” He also criticized the BJP’s alliance with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, suggesting that the partnership would end after the 2025 state elections.
Earlier, BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal had targeted Yadav over his understanding of the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling him unable to comprehend the bill. Yadav had previously criticized the bill as a “Nagpur ka Kanoon,” drawing further attention to the controversy.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which aims to improve the administration of Waqf properties across India by enhancing the registration process and introducing technology, was passed after extended discussions in Parliament. It was approved by the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favor and 95 against. The bill had also passed the Lok Sabha the previous night with 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
The passage of the bill caused internal rifts within JD(U), with five members of the party resigning after the leadership supported the bill. The resignations highlighted ongoing tensions within the party, with MLC Khalid Anwar reaffirming JD(U)’s secular and liberal stance, and reaffirming support for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.