"Want to ask which Congress-ruled or non-BJP-ruled state allocated funds for Waqf board": JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar

Patna (Bihar) [India], April 4 (ANI): JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar on Friday defended his party, following a string of resignations over its support for the Waqf Amendment Bill. Kumar questioned which Congress-ruled or non-BJP-ruled state has allocated funds for the Waqf board, highlighting that the Nitish Kumar government has given Rs 110 crore to the Waqf Board.
Kumar emphasised that Nitish Kumar's government has worked tirelessly for the welfare of the Muslim community, earning him votes from all sections of society. He believes the Muslim community recognizes and appreciates Kumar's efforts.
Speaking to ANI, Kumar said, "The question is to keep the party's existence alive and follow its decision. I want to ask which Congress-ruled or non-BJP-ruled state has allocated funds for the Waqf board. Nitish Kumar's government gave Rs 110 crore to the Waqf Board."
"Nitish Kumar got votes from all sections of the society. The Muslim community realises that Nitish Kumar ji worked for their welfare," he added.
The JD(U) leader's statements come amidst a backlash against the party's support for the Waqf Amendment Bill, which has led to the resignation of five party leaders.
The leaders claimed the party's stance on the bill was "anti-Muslim" and would have adverse implications in the upcoming Assembly elections
Earlier today, Nadeem Akhtar, another JD(U) leader, resigned from the party, making him the fifth member to leave over the party's support for the Waqf Amendment Bill.
His resignation follows that of four other leaders, including JD(U) leader Raju Nayyar, Tabrez Siddiqui Alig, Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik and Mohammed Kasim Ansari.
JD(U) leader Raju Nayyar wrote in his resignation, "I resign from JD(U) after Waqf Amendment Bill is passed and supported in the Lok Sabha."
He went on to express his deep disappointment with the party, stating, "I am deeply hurt by the JD(U) voting in favour of this black law, which oppresses Muslims."
"I resign from the post of former state secretary of JD(U) youth and primary membership of the party. I request you send a letter to the Honorable CM Nitish Kumar and relieve me from all responsibilities," he added.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) had urged all secular political parties, including BJP allies and MPs, to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill.
In a letter addressed to JDU National President and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Tabrez Siddiqui Alig expressed deep disappointment, stating that the party had "betrayed the trust of the Muslim community.
"In his letter, Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik wrote, "Millions of Indian Muslims like us had the firm belief that you are the flag bearer of purely secular ideology. But now this belief has been broken."
Mohammed Kasim Ansari stated that he was resigning as the party's stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill had "deeply hurt" millions of Muslims.
The resignations come at a critical time for JDU, as Bihar gears up for the assembly elections.
The Parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in the early hours of Friday after a marathon and heated debate. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said, "Ayes 128 and Noes 95, Absent zero. The Bill is passed." The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, has also been passed in Parliament. (ANI)