Muslim Organizations Boycott Nitish Kumar's Iftar Party Over Waqf Bill Support

Several influential Muslim organizations in Bihar have decided to skip Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's annual Daawat-e-Iftar event at his official residence in Patna on March 23, 2025. The boycott represents a significant protest against the Janata Dal (United)'s backing of the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Imarat-e-Sharia, and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind are among the prominent groups expressing their disapproval through this collective action. In their communication to the Chief Minister, these organizations expressed deep disappointment, suggesting that Nitish Kumar had abandoned his commitment to secularism and minority protection.

Their statement emphasized that Iftar celebrations should reflect genuine goodwill and supportive policies rather than serving as mere ceremonial gatherings. According to these groups, the government's perceived indifference toward Muslim concerns has rendered such events meaningless.

At the heart of this controversy is the Waqf Amendment Bill, which Muslim organizations fear could lead to the elimination of historic waqf properties that provide essential educational, healthcare, and religious infrastructure for the community. They argue such outcomes would worsen conditions highlighted in the Sachar Committee report regarding Muslim poverty and deprivation.

Despite these objections, Nitish Kumar's JD(U), a key BJP ally in the National Democratic Alliance, maintains its support for the bill, claiming it aims to improve transparency in waqf board operations without undermining mosques or Islamic faith.

Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind president Arshad Madani publicly announced the boycott on social media, extending it to other gatherings hosted by supposedly secular leaders. Madani accused these politicians of silent complicity in injustices against Muslims, prioritizing power over constitutional principles, and displaying hypocrisy regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill.

Despite the boycott, Nitish Kumar's Iftar party still drew diverse attendees, including Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. The mixed response highlights the issue's complexity, with some viewing the boycott as politically motivated rather than religiously justified.

Irshadullah, Chairman of the Bihar Sunni Waqf Board, expressed regret over the boycott, suggesting that Iftar celebrations and legislative matters should be considered separately.

Throughout his chief ministerial tenure, Nitish Kumar has consistently hosted Iftar parties, underscoring their cultural and political significance. However, the current controversy reveals deeper divisions within Bihar's political landscape as the state grapples with balancing political alliances, legislative reforms, and minority rights protection.