'Disheartened': 2 JDU leaders resign over party's stand on Waqf Bill in Parliament

Both houses of the Parliament have passed the Waqf Amendment Bill.

Senior Janata Dal (United) leaders Mohammed Qasim Ansari and Mohammed Nawaz Malik have resigned from the party over its stand on the Waqf Amendment Bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha despite widespread opposition.

In a letter to JD(U) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Ansari expressed deep disappointment, saying the party’s stance had shattered the trust of millions of Indian Muslims who believed JD(U) would uphold secular values, according to PTI.

Also Read: Rajya Sabha passes Waqf Amendment Bill with 128–95 votes after 12-hour marathon debate

In his letter to Kumar, he said, "Millions of Indian Muslims like us had unwavering faith in you as a flag bearer of a truly secular ideology. However, that belief has now been shattered. The stand taken by JD(U) on the Waqf Bill Amendment Act 2024 has deeply shocked millions of dedicated Indian Muslims and activists."

"We are extremely disheartened by the manner in which Lallan Singh delivered his speech and supported this bill in the Lok Sabha," the letter further read.

Expressing regret over his long association with the party, he stepped down from its primary membership and relinquished all official responsibilities.

(With inputs from PTI)