Tejashwi Yadav Promises to Repeal Waqf Amendment Act if Elected

Tejashwi Yadav's Election Campaign in Seemanchal

During his election campaign in the Seemanchal region on Sunday, Tejashwi Yadav stated that if the Grand Alliance comes to power, the Waqf (Amendment) Act implemented in Bihar will be immediately repealed. He criticized the act as unconstitutional and discriminatory, urging the public to view this election not merely as a change of power but as a battle to protect the constitution and pluralism. Yadav has been actively addressing gatherings in Paranpur, Kocha Dhaman, Jokihat, and Narpatganj.

According to available information, the Parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Act in April of this year, but the Supreme Court imposed a temporary stay on certain provisions in September. These provisions included granting significant authority to district administrations over Waqf properties and requiring a minimum of five years of Islamic practice to establish a Waqf. Tejashwi emphasized that this nation belongs to people of all religions and that the constitution guarantees equal rights for everyone.

He accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of paving the way for the BJP and RSS, asserting that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has never compromised on its principles. Notably, Tejashwi alleged that corruption is rampant in police stations and block offices in Bihar, claiming that no work can be accomplished without bribery. He also mentioned that Seemanchal is regarded as the most backward area in the country and announced plans to establish a separate Seemanchal Development Authority.

Tejashwi further claimed that Amit Shah had threatened him in Patna, but he stated that if Lalu Prasad Yadav was not afraid of anyone, neither would he be. He asserted that during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister, he regularized 450,000 contractual teachers, creating a total of 500,000 government jobs, and reiterated his commitment to providing one government job per family. He accused the current government of merely imitating schemes to increase pensions and provide free electricity as electoral bait, while neglecting public welfare for the past 20 years.

He urged the public to choose a government that offers permanent employment rather than temporary incentives and to decide whether they prefer a government job for a family member or the allure of a one-time cash benefit of ten thousand during elections. Overall, Tejashwi Yadav focused on issues of employment, corruption, communal harmony, and the preservation of the constitution in his speeches, seeking public support.