Patna April 5, 2025: In the wake of multiple resignations by Muslim leaders over the Waqf Amendment Bill-2025, the JDU on Saturday sought to present a united front.

The party brought its key Muslim faces together at a press conference in Patna to reaffirm its support for the controversial bill and quell speculation of internal unrest. State spokesperson Anjum Ara stated that all five suggestions proposed by JDU were incorporated into the bill by the joint Parliamentary Committee.

She assured that religious places like mosques and dargahs remain protected under the amended legislation.”

As long as Nitish Kumar’s government is in power, no one can touch religious places in Bihar,” said Ara.

Minority Cell President Ashraf Ansari echoed her sentiment claiming the party only supported the bill after its inputs were accepted.

JDU senior leaders not allowed those who opposed this bill:

Despite the show of unity, signs of unease were evident.

Several leaders who had earlier opposed the bill were present at the press conference but were not allowed to speak.

Among them was Legislative Councilor Ghulam Gaus, a vocal critic of JDU’s stance on the Waqf Bill. He met with Lalu Prasad Yadav on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Though seated on stage, Gaus was sidelined throughout the event. The leaders who spoke quickly wrapped up the event and exited without entertaining questions from the press.

As journalists began raising queries, the speakers hurriedly left, avoiding further interaction.

Turmoil and resignations in the Party:

The controversy stems from JDU’s support for the NDA government during the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament.

Since then, at least seven Muslim leaders have publicly resigned from the party, citing betrayal of minority interests.

These include M. Raju Nair Former State Secretary, Shahnawaz Malik Minority Cell State Secretary, Nadeem Akhtar Bettiah District VP, and Md. Tabrez Siddiqui Ali- State General Secretary Minority Cell, Md. Dilshan Rain Member from Bhojpur, Mohammad Qasim Ansari  Former Assembly candidate Dhaka, Motihari and Mohammad Feroz Khan Nawada District Secretary.

However, the JDU leadership has downplayed these resignations, terming them insignificant and claiming that no major or elected leader has left the party.

Saturday’s press conference was seen as an attempt at damage control, aimed at containing the growing discontent within its minority cadre.

Also Read: JDU candidate Abhishek Jha filed the nomination for the Tirhut MLC seat on 1st day.

EOM.