ELECTROL BATTLE ON WAQF

ELECTROL BATTLE ON WAQF

1-JULY-ENG 5

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-------------------------Politics heats up in Bihar, are elections here? Patna, Bihar: The new Waqf law passed by the Parliament is creating sharp shocks in the political streets of Bihar, and the question on everyone's lips is whether preparations for the assembly elections in the state have started. This law has suddenly brought Muslim organizations and opposition parties on one platform, who have united and started a massive protest against it. With the onset of election season, this law has now become a new weapon for political parties to woo Muslim voters.

There is a lot of anger among Muslim organizations regarding the new Waqf law. They allege that this law promotes unnecessary government interference in the management of Waqf properties and religious freedom. Major organizations like Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, All India Muslim Personal Law Board as well as many local Anjumans have also raised their voice against this law, calling it "unconstitutional" and "interference in Sharia matters". These organizations have started pressuring the government to withdraw the law by organizing protests, meetings and rallies in every corner of Bihar.

This vocal protest by Muslim organizations has been immediately included in the election agenda by the opposition parties. Many regional parties including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress and Left parties have openly called this law a “black law” and promised to repeal it as soon as they come to power. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said in a public meeting, “This shows the anti-Muslim mentality of the BJP government. We will throw this oppressive law in the dustbin as soon as we form the government in Bihar.” At the same time, the state president of Congress has termed it as an “attack on the Constitution and minority rights”.

It is clear that the opposition parties are seeing this issue as a big opportunity to bring Muslim voters to their side. Muslims form a significant part of Bihar's population and their vote bank plays a decisive role in any election. By taking a tough stand on the Waqf law, the opposition parties not only want to strengthen their foothold among the Muslim community, but also want to give the message that they are fully committed to the rights of minorities.

On the other hand, the ruling BJP and its allies are currently seen in a defensive mode on this issue. Although the central government has described this law as necessary for better management and transparency of Waqf properties, BJP leaders in Bihar are avoiding giving any sharp reaction to it directly. They fear that being vocal on this issue may help them consolidate the majority votes, but at the same time completely alienate minority votes, which will complicate the electoral mathematics in a state like Bihar. Although some leaders have argued that the law gives more power to the Waqf boards and will prevent corruption, but this argument is fading in front of the allegations of Muslim organizations and opposition parties.

It is not difficult to understand that this sudden turmoil on the Waqf law is an exercise to make Bihar's electoral ground fertile. There is still time for the next assembly elections, but political parties have already started making their moves. The issue of Waqf is no longer just religious or administrative; it is directly linked to the Muslim vote bank. Opposition parties are raising this issue and accusing the BJP of being anti-minority, while the BJP has to be cautious in this matter so that it does not anger its main vote base and also does not create unnecessary animosity in the Muslim community.

Overall, the Waqf law has created a new political stir in Bihar. It will be interesting to see which way this issue turns in the coming days and whether it is actually able to make a big upset in the electoral equations of Bihar. For now, it is certain that this law has increased the heat in Bihar's politics and in the coming times, more 'sizzling' rhetoric can be seen on this.