RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav made a strong promise on Sunday. Speaking at a rally in Katihar, he said he would throw the Waqf Act “in the dustbin” if his party comes to power.
“When we were in power under Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) did not dare to come to Bihar and create chaos between brothers. We never kneeled. Lalu Yadav always fought the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and we are doing so as well. If the BJP is scared of anyone, it is Lalu Yadav," he said.
Yadav declared, “I promise the Waqf Act that they have brought, I will throw it in the dustbin once we come to power.”
He also promised jobs, development, and an end to corruption.
Bihar will vote in two phases on November 6 and November 11. The results will be out on November 14.
RJD Leaders Join in Opposition to Waqf Act
RJD leader Qari Sohaib recently made a similar statement. In a viral video from a rally in Khagaria, he appealed to voters to reject the NDA.
“I appeal to all sections of the society, forget about everything, don’t come under anyone’s influence… people who passed the Waqf bill need to be treated," he said.
“To save Bihar and our country, defeat NDA, and vote for the Mahagathbandhan government. Once Tejashwi Yadav becomes the Chief Minister, all such bills will be torn and thrown away, be it the Waqf bill or any other bill," he added.
He said, “Vote for RJD and make Tejashwi bhai CM of Bihar. He will give proper treatment to all who are against us. People who brought bills like Waqf will be treated properly and these bills scrapped.”
Supreme Court Puts Parts of Waqf Act on Hold
The Supreme Court recently paused key parts of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih issued the order.
The Court stayed the rule that required a person to be a practicing Muslim for five years to create a Waqf. It said this rule will stay on hold until states set clear procedures.
It also paused the rule that prevented land from being called Waqf property until a government officer confirmed no encroachment. Another clause that allowed officials to mark Waqf land as government property has also been stayed.
However, the Court did not block the rule allowing non-Muslims on Waqf Boards. It said the Central Waqf Council should not have more than four non-Muslim members, and State Boards not more than three.
Tejashwi Promises Welfare and Jobs
Earlier that day, Tejashwi Yadav announced new welfare plans. He said allowances for panchayati raj representatives would be doubled if his alliance wins. He also promised Rs 50 lakh insurance cover and pension for them.
The panchayati raj system has three levels — zila parishad, panchayat samiti, and gram panchayat. Their heads are called adhyaksha, pramukh, and mukhiya.
Yadav also promised higher commission for public distribution system (PDS) distributors. “Besides, we will provide Rs 5 lakh interest-free loans to barbers, those engaged in the pottery business, and carpenters in the state,” he said.