Senior JD(U) Leader Mohammed Qasim Ansari Resigns Over Party's Support to Waqf Amendment Bill

In a significant political development, Senior Janata Dal (United) leader Mohammed Qasim Ansari has resigned from the party and all his positions, expressing profound disappointment over JD(U)'s support for the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024. The bill, which has been a subject of intense debate, was recently passed in the Lok Sabha with backing from JD(U), a key ally of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). 

Senior JD(U) leader Mohammed Kasim Ansari resigns from the party and all his posts over the party's stand on #WaqfAmendmentBill

"...I am disheartened that I gave several years of my life to the party," his letter reads. pic.twitter.com/dCG5JrPk7b

— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2025

Senior JD(U) Leader Mohammed Qasim Ansari Resigns Over Party's Support for Waqf Amendment Bill

In his resignation letter addressed to JD(U) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Ansari articulated his dismay, stating that the party's stance had shattered the faith of millions of Indian Muslims who had previously viewed JD(U) as a bastion of secular ideology. He specifically criticized the manner in which JD(U) MP Lalan Singh supported the bill in the Lok Sabha, describing it as deeply hurtful to the sentiments of the Muslim community. 

Ansari further contended that the Waqf Amendment Bill

Ansari further contended that the Waqf Amendment Bill is detrimental to Indian Muslims, violating several fundamental constitutional rights and leading to the humiliation of the community. He also highlighted that the bill is particularly adverse to Pasmanda Muslims, a concern he believes has been overlooked by the party leadership. 

Expressing regret over his long association with JD(U), Ansari concluded his letter by resigning from the party's primary membership and all other responsibilities. This resignation underscores the internal discord within JD(U) regarding its support for the Waqf Amendment Bill and reflects broader tensions within the NDA concerning the legislation.