As the state elections loom in Bihar, the ruling party suffers major setbacks following its support for the controversial Waqf Act
PATNA – In a significant blow to Bihar’s ruling Janata Dal (United) party (JD-U), Master Mujahid Alam, a prominent leader and former MLA from the Kochadhaman constituency in Kishanganj, has resigned from the party. The resignation comes after growing discontent within the Muslim community over JD-U’s support for the contentious Waqf Amendment Act, which has sparked protests across the state.
Mujahid Alam, who was associated with JD-U for 15 years, was not only an MLA but also held the position of district president for Kishanganj. His departure has sent ripples through the party, as hundreds of his supporters have followed suit, marking yet another setback for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership, especially in an election year. Alam’s resignation follows the trend of several Muslim leaders within the party making an exodus due to its controversial stance on the Waqf legislation.
Talking to reporters after his resignation on Saturday (April 19), Alam expressed his disappointment with Nitish Kumar, who had been widely regarded as a secular and progressive leader. “I worked as a worker in JD-U for 15 years, and the people of Kochadhaman sent me to the assembly twice,” Alam said. “We all thought Nitish Kumar was a well-wisher of Muslims, but his support for the Waqf Amendment Bill is a betrayal of the community.”
The Waqf Act has stirred a storm of controversy, particularly because of its provision to include two non-Muslim members on the board of the Waqf institutions. Alam, who has opposed the law from the outset, reaffirmed his stance, stating that he would continue to fight against the law. “I have no intention of joining any other party at the moment,” he remarked. “Right now, my focus is on opposing this law.”
Alam also launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing Union Home Minister Amit Shah of misleading the nation. “Amit Shah lied in the House,” Alam stated, referring to Shah’s assurance that no non-Muslim would be included in the bill. “But when the bill was passed, it included two non-Muslim members. People were misled by this falsehood,” he said.
The resignation of a key Muslim leader from JD-U marks a significant shift in the party’s political landscape. With elections looming, the party may face increasing pressure, especially from Muslim voters who feel betrayed by Nitish Kumar’s decision to back the controversial law.
Supporters of Master Mujahid Alam, present during his resignation speech, were seen chanting slogans against both the state and central governments. They also called for the immediate withdrawal of the Waqf Act, which has become a symbol of rising discontent within the Muslim community.
