Patna (Bihar) [India], April 5– A political storm has erupted following Janata Dal (United)‘s support of the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with opposition leaders and Muslim organizations decrying the move as “unconstitutional” and a blow to minority rights.
RJD MP Manoj Jha voiced serious concern, stating that if JD(U) backed the bill under Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s direction, it reflects a disturbing political alignment.
“You are destroying it [Waqf Board] with your dog whistle politics. You have taken another big step toward eliminating Muslims,” Jha said.
He added that if the bill’s backing was indeed Kumar’s own decision, it’s “concerning,” and if it wasn’t, “it’s even more concerning.”
Jha confirmed that the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and opposition parties like RJD are exploring legal recourse, including a move to the Supreme Court, to challenge the bill.
Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain also slammed the legislation, labeling it “targeted”, “unfair,” and “unconstitutional.”
“Despite knowing there would be issues with the bill, the government was adamant about passing it. The opposition fought unitedly,” said Hussain.
In a significant move, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi has already filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the bill.
Bill Passed, But Opposition Mounts
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, cleared both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha after two days of intense debate and now awaits President Droupadi Murmu’s assent to become law.
The bill, a revision of the Waqf Act of 1995, aims to modernize and streamline Waqf property management, with enhanced use of technology and improvements in board administration. The revised version included recommendations by a Joint Parliamentary Committee formed after the original bill was tabled in August last year.
However, critics argue that the changes threaten the autonomy of Waqf institutions and infringe on minority rights.
With discontent brewing both legally and politically, this legislation is poised to remain a flashpoint in the coming weeks.