Senior Janata Dal (United) leader Mohammed Qasim Ansari has resigned from the party and all its posts, citing disagreement with JD(U)’s stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill. The bill was passed late at night in the Lok Sabha, with JD(U)—a key NDA ally—backing it despite strong opposition from several quarters.
In a letter addressed to JD(U) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Mohammed Qasim Ansari voiced strong disappointment over the party’s backing of the Waqf Amendment Bill. He said the move had broken the trust of millions of Indian Muslims who looked to JD(U) as a defender of secular values.
Ansari also condemned JD(U) leader Lalan Singh’s remarks in the Lok Sabha, describing the bill as anti-Muslim and a breach of constitutional rights. He further called it discriminatory towards the Pasmanda Muslim community.