‘Will Throw Waqf Act in Dustbin’: Tejashwi Yadav Makes Strong Statement Ahead of Bihar Elections

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and INDIA bloc's Chief Ministerial face in Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, made a bold statement on Sunday, declaring he would throw the Waqf Act "in the dustbin" if his party came to power.

While addressing a massive public gathering in Katihar, Yadav launched a sharp attack on the BJP and reaffirmed his party's stance against the Waqf Act, promising to restore communal harmony and development in the state.

'Will Throw Waqf Act in Dustbin,' Says Tejashwi Yadav

Speaking at the rally, Yadav said, "When we were in power under Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) did not dare to come to Bihar and create chaos between brothers. We never kneeled. Lalu Yadav always fought the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and we are doing so as well. If the BJP is scared of anyone, it is Lalu Yadav."

"I promise the Waqf Act that they have brought, I will throw it in the dustbin once we come to power," he said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. He also assured that his government would focus on employment opportunities and curb corruption if elected.

Other RJD Leaders Echo Similar Sentiments

This is not the first time an RJD leader has criticized the Waqf Act. Recently, a video surfaced on social media showing Qari Sohaib, another party leader, addressing a campaign rally in Khagaria. "I appeal to all sections of the society, forget about everything, don't come under anyone's influence... people who passed the Waqf bill need to be treated," he said.

"To save Bihar and our country, defeat NDA, and vote for the Mahagathbandhan government. Once Tejashwi Yadav becomes the Chief Minister, all such bills will be torn and thrown away, be it the Waqf bill or any other bill," Sohaib added.

"Vote for RJD and make Tejashwi bhai CM of Bihar. He will give proper treatment to all who are against us. People who brought bills like Waqf will be treated properly and these bills scrapped," he said in the viral video.

Supreme Court Puts Partial Stay on Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025

In a recent development, the Supreme Court temporarily stayed several provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. A bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih issued an order halting key sections of the law.

Among the provisions stayed was Section 3(1)(r), which required an individual to be a practicing Muslim for five years to create a Waqf. The court stated this condition would remain suspended until state governments formulate rules for its implementation.

The court also stayed Section 3C(2), which said that Waqf property would not be recognized until a government officer verified encroachment, and Section 3C(3), allowing officers to label disputed property as government-owned.

However, the Supreme Court did not stay the clause permitting non-Muslim members on Waqf Boards, emphasizing that most members should ideally be Muslims. It further directed that the Central Waqf Council should not exceed four non-Muslim members, while State Boards should have no more than three.

Tejashwi Yadav's Other Promises for Bihar

Alongside his remarks on the Waqf Act, Tejashwi Yadav also rolled out several welfare promises during his campaign. He announced that allowances for representatives of the panchayati raj system would be doubled if the INDIA bloc formed the next government.

He further pledged a ₹50 lakh insurance cover and pension benefits for these representatives, who include mukhiyas, pramukhs, and adhyakshas at various local levels. "If the INDIA bloc is voted to power, we will also substantially increase the margin money, per quintal, of distributors of the public distribution system (PDS) in the state," he told reporters.

"Besides, we will provide Rs 5 lakh interest-free loans to barbers, those engaged in the pottery business, and carpenters in the state," he added, promising inclusive growth and support for small trades.

The Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with counting of votes scheduled for November 14.