JD (U) Leader Resigns Over Waqf Bill Support, Cites Muslim Discontent

Patna: Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik, the minority state secretary of Janata Dal (United) in Bihar, has resigned from the party, citing deep dissatisfaction among Muslims over Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Malik, a resident of Jamui, announced his resignation on social media, stating that he was stepping down along with his supporters.

Malik’s resignation is seen as a direct protest against the JD (U)’s support for the controversial bill. He accused the party leadership of betraying the trust of Bihar’s Muslim community, particularly criticizing JD (U) MP Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh’s speech in the Lok Sabha, where he backed the legislation. “The Waqf Amendment Act is a direct assault on constitutional rights. Indian Muslims cannot accept it under any circumstances,” Malik said.

Addressing his resignation, he sent letters to JD (U) state president Umesh Kushwaha and minority wing chief Mohammad Ashraf Ansari, formally relinquishing his position. He also submitted a separate resignation to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. His departure has triggered political ripples, especially in Jamui, where he previously served as JD (U)’s district president.

Expressing his frustration, Malik lamented that Nitish Kumar, once regarded as a reliable ally by Bihar’s Muslim voters, had let them down. “For years, the Muslim community has supported Nitish Kumar, believing in his leadership. But by backing this bill, which threatens our places of worship, madrasas, and graveyards, he has acted against us,” he said. He also condemned Lalan Singh’s justification of the bill, calling it “deeply disappointing.”