Not BJP, History Will Blame Nitish Kumar: Prashant Kishor On WAQF Bill

With only a few months to Bihar Elections 2025, Jan Suraaj Party chief Prashant Kishor is leaving no chance to attack Chief Miniter Nitish Kumar and make people feel the presence of his newly formed party. Launching a scathing attack, Prashant Kishor said history will not forget Nitish Kumar and will blame him more than the BJP for Waqf Amendment Bill.

Prashant Kishor expressed concerns that the WAQF Bill is being bulldozed without consulting affected communities, particularly Muslims who feel threatened by its implications.

He stated, "It is unfortunate... If changes impact any section, they should be taken into confidence. Many Muslims feel threatened. The government is rushing this for polarisation politics." His remarks highlight the perceived urgency and lack of consultation in the Bill's progression.

Political Dynamics and Allegations

The Jan Suraaj Party has been actively seeking to attract Muslim voters by positioning itself as an alternative to the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Kishor claims that Muslims support RJD due to fears of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and accuses Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) of betraying them. This strategy aims to shift voter allegiance by addressing community concerns.

Kishor also criticised Nitish Kumar for his alleged duplicity. He accused Kumar of supporting a law that many Muslims oppose while claiming to champion their cause. Kishor remarked that despite invoking leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jayaprakash Narayan, Kumar aids BJP in passing controversial legislation. This accusation underscores tensions between political rhetoric and actions.

Opposition and Legislative Challenges

The Waqf Amendment Bill faces resistance from opposition parties and Muslim organisations such as the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). Despite this opposition, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holds a majority in both houses of Parliament, making its passage likely. This legislative strength poses challenges for those opposing the Bill.

Kishor participated in a protest against the Bill organised by AIMPLB at Gardanibagh in Patna last week. His involvement signifies active engagement with community concerns and efforts to rally support against the legislation. Such protests aim to amplify voices opposing the Bill's perceived negative impacts.

Implications for Political Leadership

Kishor emphasised that if leaders like Nitish Kumar refuse to support this Bill, it cannot become law due to lack of majority in Lok Sabha. He warned that historical blame would fall more on leaders like Kumar than on BJP if they enable its passage. This statement highlights accountability concerns regarding political decisions affecting minority communities.

The Waqf Amendment Bill is scheduled for tabling in Lok Sabha on Wednesday.