INDIA bloc leaders pledge to ‘Throw Waqf Act into Dustbin’ in Bihar

Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, INDIA bloc leaders, including RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav and CPI(ML) Liberation’s Dipankar Bhattacharya, have reiterated that the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, will not be implemented in Bihar if their coalition comes to power.

Addressing a rally in Katihar, Tejashwi Yadav said, “If the INDIA bloc comes to power, we will throw the Waqf Act into the dustbin.” Echoing this stance, CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, at a press conference in Patna, said that Bihar would not enforce the Act under an INDIA bloc government and would also critically review other laws perceived as infringing on state autonomy. “Protection of minority rights, safeguarding of Waqf properties, implementing Sachar Committee recommendations, and prompt action against communal violence and hate speech are key commitments in our manifesto,” Bhattacharya said.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, passed by Parliament in April 2025, aims to enhance transparency and governance of Waqf properties. However, it has faced criticism, with opponents arguing that it interferes in the management of Waqf properties and includes non-Muslim members in state and central councils. The Act’s centralization of authority raises federalism concerns, and critics fear it may dilute Muslim representation in managing charitable trusts. Key provisions are currently under Supreme Court review, limiting enforceability until final verdicts.

Before any of these promises can take effect, the INDIA bloc must first win the Bihar elections. Leaders of the coalition are actively trying all possible means to secure power, including making high-profile pledges on sensitive issues like the Waqf (Amendment) Act and offering voters various freebies and welfare incentives to win support. These statements, while politically significant, remain largely symbolic until the coalition forms the government and navigates the legal and constitutional realities of implementing or blocking central legislation.