Why This Muslim Body Declined Nitish’s Iftar Invitation
A prominent Muslim body in Bihar, Imarat Shariah, has declined Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s invitation to an Iftar gathering, citing his support for the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The decision, announced in a formal letter, is being seen as a strong statement against the government’s policies affecting the Muslim community.
The Iftar, which was scheduled to take place at the chief minister’s residence on 23rd March, was dismissed as “tokenism” by Imarat Shariah. The organisation, which represents Muslims across Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, criticised Kumar for his alliance with the BJP and accused him of betraying his commitment to secular governance.
“You rose to power promising a secular rule in which minorities’ rights would be protected. But your alliance with the BJP and support for a legislation that is unconstitutional and illogical contradict your stated commitments,” the organisation stated in its letter. It further argued that the Waqf Bill threatens to deepen the economic and educational disadvantages faced by Muslims.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has been a source of major political contention. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has accused the BJP of using the bill as a tool to “demonise minority communities” and create religious polarisation for electoral gains. He argued that the amendments would weaken waqf institutions, restrict land donations, and empower government authorities to interfere in waqf affairs.
The bill, first introduced in Lok Sabha by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in August 2024, was later referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The committee adopted its report through a majority vote, but all 11 opposition MPs in the panel opposed it and submitted dissenting notes. The 655-page report recommended significant changes, including the removal of the “Waqf by User” concept, which would limit the recognition of waqf properties. Additionally, the report proposed allowing up to four non-Muslims in waqf boards and transferring dispute investigation authority from district collectors to senior state government officials.
The NDA government, which has a strong majority in Parliament, has pushed ahead with the bill, arguing that the amendments will modernise the waqf system. However, opposition parties and Muslim groups, including Imarat Shariah, see the bill as an attack on minority rights.
By boycotting the Iftar, Imarat Shariah has sent a clear message that symbolic gestures will not compensate for policies they view as discriminatory. Nitish Kumar, who has relied on Muslim support in the past, is yet to respond to this development.
