Srinagar, Apr 4 (KNS): In a major setback to the Janata Dal (United), five party leaders have resigned in protest against the party’s support for the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill passed recently in Parliament. Nadeem Akhtar is the latest to step down, following the resignations of Raju Nayyar, Tabrez Siddiqui Alig, Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik, and Mohammed Kasim Ansari.
The resignations reflect growing discontent within the party’s minority ranks, who have accused JD(U) of betraying the trust of the Muslim community.
JD(U) leader Raju Nayyar, in his resignation letter, said, “I resign from JD(U) after the Waqf Amendment Bill is passed and supported in the Lok Sabha. I am deeply hurt by the JD(U) voting in favour of this black law, which oppresses Muslims.” He also requested that a letter be sent to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to relieve him from all party responsibilities.
Tabrez Siddiqui Alig, in his letter to JD(U) National President and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, stated the party had “betrayed the trust of the Muslim community.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel” Similarly, Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik wrote, “Millions of Indian Muslims like us had the firm belief that you are the flag bearer of purely secular ideology. But now this belief has been broken.”
Mohammed Kasim Ansari also expressed his pain, saying the party’s stance on the Bill had “deeply hurt” the sentiments of millions of Muslims.
These resignations come at a critical time as Bihar prepares for the upcoming assembly elections.
Despite opposition, the Parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill 2024 after a heated debate. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announced the result: “Ayes 128, Noes 95, Absent zero. The Bill is passed.” (KNS)