Patna: Tensions have surfaced within the JD(U) over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, after the party supported the bill’s passage in the Lok Sabha. Ghulam Rasool Balyawi, the party’s national general secretary, expressed strong opposition to the bill, accusing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu of ignoring his objections.
Balyawi, a former Rajya Sabha member, revealed plans to challenge the bill in the Supreme Court, stating that his party’s failure to consider his suggestions for halting the bill’s passage had left him disillusioned.
“We submitted a 31-page document urging the JPC and leadership to stop the bill, but it was passed anyway,” Balyawi said, stressing the need for unity to oppose it. He further cautioned community members against posting on social media and announced a meeting to discuss the next steps.
Senior JD(U) leader Mohammed Kasim Ansari resigns from the party and all his posts over the party’s stand on #WaqfAmendmentBill
“…I am disheartened that I gave several years of my life to the party,” his letter reads. pic.twitter.com/dCG5JrPk7b
— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2025
Meanwhile, JD(U) leader Mohammed Kasim Ansari resigned from the party, citing dissatisfaction with its position on the bill. In his resignation letter, Ansari expressed his disappointment after years of service to the party.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, which aims to improve transparency and efficiency in Waqf board operations, was passed after a lengthy debate in the Lok Sabha. The bill saw strong opposition from the INDIA bloc, while BJP allies supported it. Voting results were announced at midnight with 288 in favor and 232 against.
According to the sources, JD(U) MLC Ghulam Gaus also opposed the bill earlier.
