Waqf Amendment Bill: New Poster in Bihar Critiques Lalu's Double Standards
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Synopsis
As Bihar Assembly elections draw near, the poster controversy between the Janata Dal-United and RJD escalates, focusing on Lalu Prasad Yadav's conflicting stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill. The rivalry highlights political hypocrisy and public sentiments regarding the legislation.
Key Takeaways
- Poster War: Intense rivalry over Waqf Amendment Bill.
- Lalu's Hypocrisy: Contradictory past and present statements highlighted.
- Public Sentiment: Majority of poor minorities support the bill.
- Political Accountability: Criticism aimed at both current and past leaders.
- Impending Elections: The controversy is part of the lead-up to the 2025 elections.
Patna, April 5 (NationPress) As the Bihar Assembly elections approach, the rivalry between the ruling Janata Dal-United and the Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has escalated, with both sides trading barbs regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill's approval in Parliament.
Recently, a poster in Hindi emerged on the streets of Patna, challenging Lalu Prasad Yadav on his perceived inconsistency concerning the Waqf matter.
The poster referenced Yadav's 2010 Lok Sabha address where he passionately called for stricter legislation to address the mismanagement of Waqf properties.
In stark contrast to his current dissent against the Waqf Amendment Bill, the poster provocatively inquired: “Who is the genuine Girgit (chameleon)?”
The term “chameleon” was previously employed by Lalu Prasad Yadav's supporters to criticize Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his purportedly fluctuating political stance.
In response to the poster targeting Lalu Prasad Yadav, BJP state head Dilip Jaiswal remarked to IANS: “The public has now recognized how Lalu Yadav shifts colors like a chameleon.”
Jaiswal pointed out that in 2010, Lalu Prasad Yadav condemned the Waqf Board for the misappropriation of properties and called for legal action against those exploiting Waqf assets.
“Now, the NDA government has merely amended it (Waqf Act) through a democratic approach, and Lalu Yadav is against it. Isn’t that hypocrisy?” questioned Jaiswal.
Continuing his sarcastic remarks, Jaiswal said: “The Opposition was preoccupied with cleaning the mirror to discover pure faces, but they failed to realize — the dust was on their faces, not the mirror.”
Bihar's Health and Law Minister Mangal Pandey also backed the Waqf legislation, asserting that it delivers “justice to the impoverished Pasmanda Muslims” and reveals the hypocrisy of the Opposition.
When questioned about the backlash from the RJD and others, Pandey recalled Lalu Prasad Yadav’s 2010 speech in Parliament where he accused Waqf Board members of allegedly seizing lands, even mentioning the Dakbungla Chauraha in Patna as a case in point.
“Lalu's son (Tejashwi Yadav) should first listen to his father's words from Parliament. At that time, Lalu Prasad raised this issue himself,” Pandey stated.
The Minister asserted that those criticizing the Waqf legislation were not genuinely opposed to the law but were distressed about losing control over Waqf matters.
“The turmoil is being instigated by those who previously exploited loopholes in traditional legal frameworks. They are troubled. The poor are, in fact, content. This bill delivers justice, particularly for Pasmanda Muslims,” Pandey declared.
He emphasized that the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has simply accomplished what Lalu Prasad once advocated.
“This bill guarantees transparency and fairness. Ask the poor minorities — they are satisfied. The only ones disgruntled are those losing their grip,” Pandey underscored.
In a noteworthy statement, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan expressed his support for the bill, questioning the actual utilization of Waqf properties.
“Allah’s property is intended for public welfare — charity, orphanages, and hospitals. How many Waqf properties in Patna are providing such services?” he queried.
He emphasized that Waqf should benefit the needy, not serve as a means for personal gain.
The ongoing poster conflict in the state coincides with the resignation of at least three Muslim leaders from the ruling Janata Dal (United) in protest against the Waqf legislation.
Previously, the RJD initiated the poster exchange by erecting a provocative poster targeting CM Nitish Kumar regarding his position on the Waqf Bill and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
The poster, displayed outside the residence of former CM and RJD leader Rabri Devi at 10 Circular Road, Patna, showed CM Nitish greeting a Muslim cleric.
The message on the poster read, “Tum To Dhokhebaaz Ho, Wada Karke Bhul Jate Ho,” accusing Nitish of being a “cheater” who fails to keep his promises.
This poster appeared to be a retort to JD(U) workers who had released a poster titled ‘Bhoolega Nahi Bihar,’ (Bihar will not forget). This poster highlights the “atrocities of the jungle raj” and conveys the message ‘Bhoolega Nahi Bihar.’
The poster skirmish in Bihar is part of the lead-up to the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election, which is scheduled to take place across all 243 constituencies in October or November 2025.
