Lagatar24 Desk
Patna: Political accusations intensified following the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, with opposition parties strongly criticizing the NDA government. Abdul Bari Siddiqui, National Principal General Secretary and MLC of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), claimed that just as the Emergency led to the downfall of Indira Gandhi, the Waqf Bill would cause the Modi government’s collapse.
Siddiqui described effective governance as one that protects minorities and accused the NDA of conspiring against Muslims through this bill, stating it infringes upon their rights. He also alleged potential fragmentation within the Janata Dal (United), asserting that JD(U)’s Muslim leaders oppose the bill. Siddiqui expressed astonishment at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s support for the legislation, suggesting that Kumar might be under external influences or unwell, as he would typically oppose such measures.
RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari supported these claims, arguing that JD(U)’s backing of the Waqf Bill exposed the party’s supposed secular façade. He highlighted growing resentment within JD(U) among both Muslim and non-Muslim leaders, predicting imminent turmoil and division within the party. Tiwari accused the BJP of using the bill to absorb its allies entirely.
Countering these allegations, JD(U) Acting President Sanjay Jha defended his party’s stance, asserting that the bill benefits economically disadvantaged Muslims. Jha emphasized that JD(U)’s suggestions submitted to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) were incorporated into the final version of the bill.
