Tejashwi vows to scrap Waqf law, calls Bihar polls a battle for Constitution and equality

In a fiery pitch from Bihar’s Seemanchal heartland, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav on October 26 vowed to scrap the Waqf (Amendment) Act if the INDIA bloc forms the next government in the state, framing the upcoming election as a fight to “defend the Constitution and India’s plural identity.”

Addressing rallies in Pranpur, Kocha Dhaman, Jokihat and Narpatganj, Yadav said, “If our government is formed, we will throw that Waqf Bill into the dustbin. This country belongs to everyone — Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian — all have sacrificed for it. The Constitution grants equal rights to all.”

Passed in Parliament earlier this year, the Waqf (Amendment) Act has been stayed in part by the Supreme Court, which put on hold provisions expanding collectors’ powers over Waqf properties and restricting Waqf creation to Muslims with five years of practice. The court also limited non-Muslim representation on Waqf boards.

Targeting Nitish, invoking Lalu’s legacy

Tejashwi accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of “opening the door” for the BJP and the RSS in Bihar. “If anyone made space for the BJP in this state, it’s Nitish Kumar. When our government was there, RSS didn’t have the courage to enter and spread hate,” he declared.

Emphasizing the RJD’s ideological consistency, Yadav said, “Lalu ji never compromised with communal forces — and neither will I.” He invoked his father’s defiance during the 1990s, recalling L.K. Advani’s arrest in Bihar: “When Lalu ji didn’t bow before their masters, will his son fear them?”

Seemanchal focus: Corruption, jobs, and development

Calling Seemanchal “the poorest region of the country,” Yadav launched a scathing attack on the state administration for “corruption from police stations to block offices,” alleging that “nothing moves without a bribe.”

He promised to set up a Seemanchal Development Authority to address chronic neglect in education, healthcare, roads, and flood control, and reiterated his flagship pledge of “one government job per household.”

Claiming credit for providing five lakh jobs during his 17-month stint as Deputy Chief Minister — including the regularization of four lakh contractual teachers — Yadav said the current government was merely “copying RJD’s vision” by offering limited welfare schemes like pensions and free electricity.

“In twenty years, they didn’t think of giving ₹10,000. Now they throw cash for votes,” he said. “Decide — do you want a permanent job in every family or temporary handouts?”