NEW DELHI: Union minister and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] MP Lalan Singh on Monday alleged that the Muslim groups who refused Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar’s invitation for an iftaar gathering are aligned with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress.
“Those who opposed it (invitation) are associated with the RJD and Congress. They are playing politics. Iftaar is a form of worship, and there should be no politics involved in it. These groups are not concerned about the welfare of Muslims,” Singh told ANI.
Singh’s remarks came after several Muslim organizations in Bihar, including Imarat Shariah, announced their decision to “boycott” Kumar’s iftaar invitation over his support for the central government’s Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The JD(U), a key ally in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), governs Bihar along with the BJP.
Muslim Groups Accuse Nitish Kumar of Betrayal
Imarat Shariah, which enjoys a significant following in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, accused Kumar of “breaking his promise” to safeguard minority rights by backing the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The group’s statement underscored discontent with Kumar’s stance, reflecting growing unease among sections of the Muslim community.
JD(U)’s Muslim Support Under Strain
The JD(U) has traditionally relied on Muslim votes by projecting Nitish Kumar as a secular leader. However, with the Bihar assembly elections approaching later this year, the boycott could dent the JD(U)’s appeal among minority voters. The elections are expected to be a direct contest between the ruling NDA and the RJD-led opposition Mahagathbandhan, which includes the Congress and other regional allies.
BJP Banking on JD(U) for Support
The JD(U)’s support remains crucial for the BJP, especially after the latter lost its parliamentary majority in last year’s Lok Sabha polls. As the political landscape in Bihar intensifies, Singh’s comments highlight the tensions between the NDA and minority groups ahead of the upcoming state elections.
