Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday accused Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Bihar’s Leader of Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, of being against the rights of poor Pasmanda Muslims.
Singh’s comments came in response to Yadav’s criticism of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
Speaking to reporters in Begusarai, Singh said, “The laws passed by Parliament apply across the entire country. Tejashwi Yadav is against poor Pasmanda Muslims and does not want poor Muslims and women to get their rights. This law is designed to uplift them, not to serve the interests of Tejashwi’s political contractors.”
Legal Battle Over Waqf (Amendment) Act
The controversy comes at a time when the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, is facing a legal challenge in the Supreme Court. A batch of petitions questioning the constitutional validity of the Act is scheduled to be heard on April 16, 2025.
In support of the Act, several intervention applications have been filed in court, arguing that the amendments are in line with the constitutional provisions and aim to protect the interests of weaker sections, especially poor Muslims and women. The Central government has also filed a caveat in the court, requesting to be heard before any interim order is passed.
Pasmanda Muslims
The term “Pasmanda Muslims” refers to the socially and economically backward Muslim communities. In recent years, their representation and welfare have become central issues in political discourse, particularly in states like Bihar. The Union Minister’s remarks signal a renewed push by the BJP to engage with Pasmanda voters, while accusing opposition parties like the RJD of ignoring their plight.
As the political and legal debates surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Act intensify, all eyes are now on the Supreme Court’s upcoming hearing and the continued back-and-forth between rival political factions in Bihar.
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