Rijiju Slams Tejashwi Yadav Over Waqf Act Comments: Accuses Him of Muslim Vote Appeasement Ahead of Bihar Elections

New Delhi:

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju launched a scathing criticism of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Monday regarding his comments on the Waqf Amendment Act. Rijiju claimed that Yadav "lacks maturity" and is making such declarations purely to "appease the Muslim community" as Bihar Assembly elections approach.

Tejashwi Yadav, who is positioned as the Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial candidate in Bihar, had previously declared that if his government comes to power, he would abolish the Waqf Act.

"I promise that when I become the CM, Tejashwi will discard the Waqf Board law bill. When I become the CM, every Bihari will become CM -- meaning 'Chinta Mukt' (worry-free). Bihar currently suffers from inadequate colleges, poor education quality, high poverty rates, and continued migration. My sole vision is to elevate Bihar to the number one position," Yadav stated, criticizing the ruling NDA for what he described as "20 years of stagnation".

In a strong response during an interview with IANS, Kiren Rijiju said, "It's astonishing that Tejashwi Yadav, who aspires to be Chief Minister, is unaware of the fundamental fact that a state government cannot nullify legislation passed by Parliament. He demonstrates ignorance of the Constitution. How can he make such statements?"

Rijiju emphasized that citizens across Bihar and throughout India are observing Yadav's remarks.

"People in Bihar and across the nation are watching and finding it laughable that someone presenting himself as a Chief Minister candidate doesn't even understand that he cannot simply discard a Parliamentary Act if he becomes Chief Minister," he remarked.

The Union Minister accused Yadav of being "desperate" for political power, saying, "What kind of rhetoric is he using? Firstly, I believe Tejashwi lacks maturity and knowledge. Secondly, his desperation for power drives him to say anything. Is he willing to claim he'll discard the Waqf Act just to secure Muslim votes? How can such statements be justified?"

When questioned about whether any state government has the authority to refuse implementation of Parliament-passed legislation, Rijiju, who also oversees the Minority Affairs portfolio, clarified that no state possesses such power.

"Legislation passed by Parliament applies nationwide, and no one can remove the authority granted by the Constitution," he asserted.

Criticizing the Opposition for "dynastic politics," Rijiju challenged, "Can Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi explain their position if they refuse to respect laws passed by Parliament or rulings cleared by the Supreme Court? Are they placing themselves above Parliament, the Supreme Court, and Indian democratic principles? These individuals from privileged families consider themselves beyond the law, Constitution, and Parliament. However, the public is watching closely."

The Union Minister further accused the Opposition of engaging in appeasement politics ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.

"For decades, Congress and RJD have governed through Muslim appeasement, deceiving and misleading the Muslim community. Muslims are now recognizing this deception, and awareness will continue to grow. However, a substantial segment remains influenced by those attempting to cultivate vote banks by misleading them, intimidating them, and using the BJP as a pretext," he stated.

Rijiju concluded by asserting that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the entire nation—including the Muslim community—"will progress."

"Gradually, Muslims will also recognize that national progress is only possible under PM Modi's guidance. Under his leadership, everyone—whether from minority or majority communities—will be secure in India. This is widely acknowledged, and Muslims have largely come to understand this reality," he said.