The Union minister questions RJD’s commitment to minorities, accuses opposition of using Muslims as a ‘vote bank’
Team Clarion
PATNA – Union Minister Chirag Paswan has expressed his disappointment over the decision by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (JUH) to boycott his iftar party, stating that his late father, Ram Vilas Paswan, had always championed the cause of Muslims in Bihar.
The controversy has sparked a political debate in the state, with Paswan also targeting Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav for his party’s alleged failure to protect minority interests.
Chirag Paswan, who is hosting the event on Monday (24 March), visited his party office to oversee preparations ahead of the gathering. Speaking to reporters, he addressed the boycott by Jamiat, a prominent Muslim organisation, which has also refused to attend iftar parties hosted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Jamiat alleges that these leaders remain silent on issues affecting Muslims but organise iftar events for political shows during elections.
“I respect Madani Sahab (Jamiat chief Mahmood Madani) a lot. I respect his decision, but I would urge him to think a little,” Paswan said. “Have our opponents, like the RJD, who consider themselves advocates of Muslims, succeeded in protecting the interests of the minority community?”
He also invoked the legacy of his father, Ram Vilas Paswan, a veteran Dalit leader and former Union minister, who he said had once “put his entire political life at stake” to ensure a Muslim could become the chief minister of Bihar. “My father did this for Muslims,” Chirag said, emphasising his family’s commitment to the community.
The Union minister did not stop there, directly targeting Tejashwi Yadav. “What concrete steps has the RJD, which calls itself the biggest well-wisher of Muslims, taken for the Muslim community so far?” Paswan questioned. He accused the RJD of using minorities as a “vote bank” during elections while failing to address their concerns.
“Tejashwi Yadav should openly answer what he has done for the betterment of Muslims in Bihar,” Paswan added, challenging the RJD leader to justify his party’s record on minority welfare.
