Patna, Bihar – In a move signaling a potential shift in Bihar‘s political landscape, several prominent Muslim organizations boycotted Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s annual Iftar party on March 23, 2025, in protest against his support for the Waqf Bill. This boycott, led by influential groups such as the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Imarat-e-Shariah, highlights growing discontent within the community over the bill, which they fear will undermine the autonomy and rights of Muslim institutions.
1 अणे मार्ग स्थित 'नेक संवाद' में पवित्र रमजान के अवसर पर रोजेदारों को दावत-ए-इफ्तार पर आमंत्रित किया। दावत-ए-इफ्तार में माननीय राज्यपाल श्री आरिफ मोहम्मद खान सहित बड़ी संख्या में रोजेदारों एवं गणमान्य व्यक्तियों ने शिरकत की। इफ्तार के पहले मित्तन घाट के सज्जादानशीं हजरत सैयद शाह… pic.twitter.com/1ln3VS01iC
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) March 23, 2025A Symbolic Protest
The Iftar, a traditional evening meal during Ramadan, is often used as a platform for political leaders to foster goodwill and demonstrate inclusivity. However, this year’s event at the Chief Minister’s official residence in Patna was markedly different. Despite the presence of Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, and other members of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the absence of key Muslim leaders and community representatives sent a clear message of disapproval.
“This decision of boycotting your iftar invitation has been taken to register strong opposition to your support to the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024,” the organizations stated in a letter to Nitish Kumar.
The protesting organizations argue that the Waqf Bill, intended to bring transparency and efficiency to the management of Waqf properties, in its current form, poses a significant threat to the community’s control over its religious and charitable assets. They claim that the bill could lead to the seizure of Waqf properties and further marginalize the Muslim community, contradicting the secular principles Kumar pledged to uphold.
The Waqf Bill: A Point of Contention
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has been a contentious issue since its proposal in August 2024. The bill aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, which governs the administration of Waqf properties – properties donated for religious or charitable purposes under Muslim law. The government argues that the amendments are necessary to improve the management and prevent the misuse of these properties.
However, critics argue that the bill grants excessive powers to the government, allowing it to interfere in the internal affairs of Waqf boards and potentially seize control of valuable assets. They also express concerns that the bill was drafted without adequate consultation with Muslim organizations and disregards their suggestions.
JD(U) MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh has defended the bill, arguing that it aims to ensure transparency and prevent Waqf boards from becoming autocratic. However, this stance has further fueled the anger of Muslim groups, who view it as an attack on their religious and cultural institutions.
Voices of Dissent
The boycott of the Iftar party was not merely a symbolic gesture but a coordinated effort to voice dissent against the Waqf Bill. Syed Nashoor Ajmal Nushi, the state convener of the All India Muslim Majlis Mushawarat, emphasized that the community’s opposition to the bill mirrors their resistance to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
“The call to boycott Nitish Kumar’s iftar is a strong message not only to his party but also to the Modi government. This boycott has received support across the state, and those who back this ‘draconian bill’ will be called out and boycotted nationwide,” Nushi stated.
Despite the boycott, some Muslim leaders and community members did attend the Iftar, highlighting differing views within the community. Irshadullah, Chairman of the Bihar Sunni Waqf Board, criticized the boycott, stating that it goes against the principles of Islam.
Political Implications
The controversy surrounding the Waqf Bill and the subsequent boycott of the Iftar party have significant political implications for Nitish Kumar and his JD(U), particularly with the Bihar Assembly elections approaching. Muslim voters constitute a sizable portion of the electorate in Bihar, and any perceived alienation could impact the party’s electoral prospects.
Political analysts are closely watching how this situation unfolds, especially given the growing influence of the BJP in the state. The opposition RJD has also weighed in, expressing concern over the JD(U)’s support for the bill but stopping short of fully endorsing the boycott.
Prashant Kishor, head of Jan Suraj Party, commented that if the Waqf Bill passes, Nitish Kumar would be more responsible than the BJP. He stated that the bill could be stopped if Nitish Kumar’s twelve MPs opposed it.
The Congress party has taken a nuanced stance, with leaders like Shakil Ahmad Khan and Prem Chandra Mishra stating that while they oppose the Waqf Bill in its current form, attending or not attending the Iftar is an individual choice.
Looking Ahead
As the Waqf Bill moves closer to a vote in Parliament, the political tensions in Bihar are likely to escalate. Muslim organizations have vowed to continue their protests and explore all legal, democratic, and political means to oppose the bill.
The upcoming dharna on March 26, organized by several Muslim organizations, is expected to draw significant participation and further amplify the community’s concerns. The success of this protest and the broader movement against the Waqf Bill could significantly influence the political landscape in Bihar and shape the outcome of the upcoming elections.
Nitish Kumar faces the challenge of addressing the concerns of the Muslim community while maintaining his alliance with the BJP. His ability to navigate this delicate situation will be crucial in determining his political future and the future of his party in Bihar.
FAQ
What is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024?
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 is a proposed amendment to the Waqf Act of 1995, which governs the administration of Waqf properties (properties donated for religious or charitable purposes under Muslim law). The government claims the amendments are needed to improve the management and prevent the misuse of these properties.
Why are Muslim organizations protesting against the Waqf Bill?
Muslim organizations fear that the bill grants excessive powers to the government, allowing it to interfere in the internal affairs of Waqf boards and potentially seize control of valuable assets. They also claim that the bill was drafted without adequate consultation with Muslim organizations and disregards their suggestions.
Which Muslim organizations boycotted Nitish Kumar’s Iftar party?
Prominent organizations such as the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Imarat-e-Shariah, Jamiat Ulema Hind, and others boycotted the Iftar party.
What was the reason for boycotting the Iftar party?
The organizations boycotted the Iftar party to protest against Nitish Kumar’s support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which they believe threatens the autonomy and rights of Muslim institutions.
What is the stance of Nitish Kumar’s party (JD(U)) on the Waqf Bill?
JD(U) MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh has defended the bill, arguing that it aims to ensure transparency and prevent Waqf boards from becoming autocratic.
How might this boycott affect the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections?
Muslim voters constitute a sizable portion of the electorate in Bihar, and any perceived alienation could impact the JD(U)’s electoral prospects.
What are the possible consequences if the Waqf Bill is passed?
Muslim organizations fear that the bill could lead to the seizure of Waqf properties, undermine the autonomy of Muslim institutions, and further marginalize the Muslim community.
What is the next course of action planned by the protesting organizations?
A dharna is scheduled for March 26, organized by several Muslim organizations, to further amplify the community’s concerns and protest against the Waqf Bill.
