Party Spokesman Dismisses Resignations as Bogus; Opposition Launches Scathing Attack
Patna, April 4 – The Janata Dal (United), led by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is grappling with growing discontent within its ranks over the party’s support to the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill. Tensions flared on Friday after another individual claiming to be a party functionary announced his “resignation” in protest, fueling speculation about internal unrest.However, JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad rejected these claims, calling the resignations “bogus” and asserting that the individuals in question “never held any official position” within the party.
More Alleged Resignations Surface
The latest resignation claim came from Tabrez Siddiqui, who identified himself as the state general secretary of the JD(U)'s minority cell. His announcement followed similar statements by Mohammad Qasim Ansari from East Champaran and Nawaz Malik from Jamui, both of whom had shared their resignation letters on social media on Thursday.Prasad, however, dismissed these moves as orchestrated theatrics.
He also emphasized that respected Muslim leaders within the JD(U) remained firmly aligned with the party, stating that if there were genuine concerns, they would be addressed internally—but the current situation did not reflect that.
Leaders Voice Concerns Over Community Suggestions Being Ignored
The internal unease was further underscored on Thursday when Ghulam Rasool Baliyawi, JD(U)’s national general secretary, and Syed Afzal Abbas, chairman of the Bihar Shia Waqf Board, remarked that many community suggestions were overlooked during the Bill’s drafting stage.While neither openly criticized the JD(U) leadership, their remarks hinted at dissatisfaction over the party's backing of a bill introduced by the Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the Centre.
Growing Unease Ahead of Assembly Polls
Some disgruntled party members believe that the JD(U)’s position on the bill may alienate its Muslim voter base—a demographic the party has traditionally retained due to Nitish Kumar’s secular image despite being in alliance with the BJP.One JD(U) insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that a minority cell meeting scheduled for Friday was “cancelled at the last minute” out of concern that “cracks within the party might get exposed.”
RJD Lashes Out with Satirical Post
Sensing an opportunity, the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) launched a scathing online attack. In a morphed image shared on X (formerly Twitter), Nitish Kumar is portrayed wearing the signature khaki shorts and black cap of the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), the ideological parent of the BJP.The post was captioned:
“RSS certified Chief Minister Cheat-ish Kumar”
with the trending hashtag #WaqfAmendmentBill.
As Bihar heads toward assembly elections later this year, the Waqf Bill controversy may prove to be a litmus test for JD(U)'s standing among minority voters and its ability to manage internal cohesion amid rising political tensions.
