Tejashwi Yadav Vows to Discard Waqf Amendment Act if INDIA Bloc Wins Bihar Elections

Tejashwi Yadav claimed that this election is a fight to protect the Constitution. (FILE)

Katihar/Kishanganj/Araria:

INDIA bloc's Chief Minister candidate Tejashwi Yadav declared on Sunday that if his coalition comes to power in Bihar, they would "throw the Waqf (Amendment) Act into the dustbin."

During consecutive rallies in the Muslim-majority districts of Katihar, Kishanganj, and Araria, Yadav emphasized that his father, RJD chief Lalu Prasad, never compromised with communal forces throughout his political career.

"Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has consistently supported such forces, enabling the RSS and its affiliates to spread communal hatred across both the state and the country. The BJP should be renamed 'Bharat Jalao Party.' Once the INDIA bloc assumes power in Bihar, we will discard the Waqf Act completely," he stated.

Parliament passed the Waqf (Amendment) Act in April. The BJP-led NDA coalition has praised this legislation as promoting transparency and empowering backward Muslims and women within the community. Meanwhile, opposition parties have criticized the law, arguing it violates the rights of Muslims.

RJD MLC Mohammad Qari Sohaib created controversy on Saturday by declaring that if Yadav becomes Bihar's Chief Minister, "all bills will be torn apart, including the Waqf bill." This statement prompted opposition critics to question how a state chief minister could override central legislation.

Without directly naming Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, Yadav alleged, "Certain individuals are attempting to split votes by forcibly fielding candidates, but voters should disregard such candidates." He characterized the election as a crucial battle to safeguard the Constitution, democracy, and communal harmony.

"Bihar's citizens have grown weary of Nitish Kumar's 20-year governance. Nitish Kumar resembles stagnant water that has ceased flowing and now emits an unpleasant odor. Consequently, this NDA government must be removed," he asserted.

"The Chief Minister appears mentally disoriented. Corruption pervades every government department. The law and order situation has deteriorated completely across the state," Yadav claimed.

He further alleged that the NDA administration has neglected the development of the Seemanchal region, which encompasses Purnia, Araria, Kishnaganj, and Katihar districts.

"Upon forming the government, we will establish the Seemanchal Development Authority to ensure comprehensive regional development. We will construct a world-class university here, alongside a super-specialty hospital and an Aligarh Muslim University center," he promised.

Yadav criticized that despite Kumar serving as CM for 20 years and Narendra Modi as PM for 11 years, Bihar remains India's most underdeveloped and impoverished state.

"Seemanchal stands as the state's poorest region. Now is the time to hold them accountable," he added.

The RJD leader accused the NDA government of imitating his election promises.

"We promised to increase old-age pensions. The Nitish Kumar government raised it from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100 monthly. I pledge to further increase it to Rs 2,000 per month," he declared.

Yadav also responded sharply to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

"When Amit Shah recently visited Bihar, he threatened that he wouldn't leave us in a position to contest elections. I will continue to fight and I will prevail. We are authentic Biharis, and we don't fear outsiders. As the saying goes, 'Ek Bihari sab pe bhari' (one Bihari is stronger than everyone else)," he proclaimed.