Katihar (Bihar)— Bihar’s opposition alliance chief ministerial candidate, Tejashwi Yadav, declared that the INDIA bloc will abolish the Waqf (Amendment) Act if voted to power in the upcoming state elections.
Addressing a public rally in the Muslim-majority Katihar district, Yadav accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of aligning with communal forces and enabling the spread of divisive politics. “My father, Lalu Prasad, never compromised with communal forces. But Nitish Kumar has always supported them. Because of him, RSS and its affiliates are spreading hatred across the country. The BJP should be called the ‘Bharat Jalao Party’. If the INDIA bloc forms the government, we will throw the Waqf Act into the dustbin,” Yadav declared to a cheering crowd.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, passed by Parliament in April, has been a subject of heated political debate. While the BJP-led NDA government claims the law ensures transparency and empowers backward Muslims and women, the opposition argues that it infringes upon Muslim community rights.
Yadav’s remarks followed recent controversy sparked by RJD MLC Mohammad Qari Sohaib, who had claimed that all bills, including the Waqf bill, would be torn apart if Yadav became chief minister — a statement that drew sharp criticism from rivals questioning the legality of overturning a central law.
Continuing his attack on Nitish Kumar, Yadav accused the state government of widespread corruption and administrative collapse. “The CM is no longer in his senses. Every department is steeped in corruption, and law and order have completely broken down,” he said.
He also alleged neglect of the Seemanchal region — comprising Purnia, Araria, Kishanganj, and Katihar — promising to establish a Seemanchal Development Authority to boost the region’s growth.
Yadav further accused the ruling NDA of copying his campaign promises. “We proposed raising the old-age pension. Nitish Kumar increased it from ₹400 to ₹1,100 per month. When we return to power, we will raise it to ₹2,000 per month,” he announced.
