PATNA: Opposition's CM face
Tejashwi Yadav of
RJD vowed Sunday to scrap the Waqf (Amendment) Act if INDIA bloc forms govt in Bihar after the Nov assembly polls, triggering sharp reactions from NDA partners
BJP and JD(U), which accused him of misleading Muslims and disrespecting Parliament.
"If our govt is formed in Bihar, the Waqf (Amendment) Act will be thrown into the dustbin," Tejashwi said in Muslim-majority Katihar.
The remarks followed a controversy sparked by RJD legislator Qari Sohaib, who said Waqf bill would be "torn apart" if Tejashwi became CM.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2024 introduced stricter control over waqf properties, mandated surveys and limited discretionary powers of waqf boards.
Also read - 'Birth-based ruling class': Dynasts lead candidate lists in Bihar elections; old families still call the shotsTejashwi misleading people, only Parl can amend Act: BJP BJP national spokesperson RP Singh accused Tejashwi of "supporting those who want to misuse waqf properties." He said: "Only Parliament can amend the Act. Tejashwi is misleading the people." BJP OBC Morcha general secretary Nikhil Anand said: "RJD does not believe in Constitution or Parliament. Their mindset is dangerous... There is neither triple talaq nor waqf in even Islamic countries, yet RJD is misleading Muslims."
JDU spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said, "When the bill has been passed (by Parliament) and considered by Supreme Cou-rt, who has the right to reconsider it? Lalu Prasad should explain how they ruined Anjuman Islamia Hall during his tenure, while Nitish Kumar turned it into a palace."
Campaigning in Seemanchal, Tejashwi accused the CM of "promoting BJP and RSS". He said: "If BJP cemented its foothold in Bihar, it is because of Nitish Kumar. RJD and Lalu Prasad-ji never compromised with ideology."
He promised to double allowances for panchayat representatives, provide Rs 50 lakh insurance cover and pensions to former members, a Seemanchal development authority, and offer Rs 5 lakh interest-free loans to artisans.
NDA dismissed his pledges as empty populism. Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary said: "Lalu Prasad and his family are known for corruption." JDU w working president Sanjay Kumar Jha added: "His parents ruined Bihar in 15 years, and it took Nitish Kumar years to repair it. He'll take Bihar back in 20 months." BJP national office-bearer Rituraj Sinha said: "Jungle raj is roaming in T-shirts and pa-nts." JDU spokesperson Arv-ind Nishad said: "...(I)t seems he wants to turn Bihar into a factory of false promises."
Jan Suraaj Party chief Prashant Kishor likened Tejashwi's promises to "a lion luring with a bracelet before devouring its prey".