JDU Minimizes Resignations of Muslim Leaders, Labels Them as 'Insignificant'

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- JDU dismisses Muslim leaders' resignations.
- Rajiv Ranjan labels dissenters as insignificant.
- Party maintains unity amid internal opposition.
- Waqf Amendment Bill is pro-Muslim according to JDU.
- Nitish Kumar's leadership remains unchallenged.
Patna, April 4 (NationPress) The recent approval of the Waqf Amendment Bill by parliament has sparked political upheaval in Bihar, prompting multiple Muslim leaders from the Janata Dal (United) to resign in protest. Nonetheless, JDU’s National General Secretary Rajiv Ranjan has brushed off these resignations, characterizing the dissenters as insignificant to the party.
In an interview with IANS, Ranjan remarked, "Who are these individuals? They were never part of the party's organizational framework. They are fake people."
He downplayed any internal dissent regarding the bill, affirming that JDU remains united. “I don’t even think this is worth discussing,” he stated.
Ranjan reiterated JDU’s backing for the Waqf Amendment Bill, noting that the party’s recommendations were taken into account during the Joint Parliamentary Committee discussions. "Whatever suggestions we provided were included. It is now set to become law, which is undoubtedly positive for the Muslim community," he asserted.
JDU MLA Gopal Mandal also came to the defense of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, claiming that the bill serves the best interests of Muslims. “No Muslim is upset with Nitish Kumar. He has accomplished more for them than Lalu Prasad ever did. Some individuals are attempting to tarnish his reputation with ulterior motives,” Mandal stated.
Rejecting fears of JDU losing Muslim support, Mandal insisted that the resignations would not have consequences. “The Chief Minister will respond to those resigning. This bill is pro-Muslim, and everything will be alright. JDU will not lose any assembly seats because of it,” he claimed.
In the meantime, posters in Patna have been displayed branding Nitish Kumar as a ‘Girgit’ (chameleon).
In response, Mandal lauded Kumar’s governance, stating, “Before 2005, Bihar was in disarray — no infrastructure, and people were fleeing in fear. Nitish Kumar has transformed everything, from education to development.”
Dismissing rumors about a potential alliance between the RJD and JDU, Mandal asserted, “Nitish Kumar will remain as Chief Minister. No leader in Bihar can compare to him, and even after him, no one will fill his shoes.”
On the question of Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, entering politics, Mandal cryptically commented, “Nishant Kumar is on the way — you’ve seen the signs. First, the hero’s shoes are shown, then the pajama, then the watch — he won’t rush into it.”
He also dismissed concerns about Kumar’s health, asserting that he remains fit and is the strongest leader in Bihar politics.