The individuals who have stepped down include Mohammad Tabrez Siddiqui, Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik, Mohammed Kasim Ansari, and Mohammad Nawaz Malik. In their resignation letters addressed to Nitish Kumar, they articulated their dissatisfaction with the party's stance on the Waqf Bill, asserting that it undermines the interests of the Muslim community. Siddiqui, in particular, conveyed profound disappointment, stating that the party had "betrayed the trust of the Muslim community."
The Waqf Bill has been a contentious piece of legislation, eliciting varied reactions across the political spectrum. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board had previously urged secular parties to oppose the bill, highlighting concerns over its implications for Muslim endowments. Despite this, JD extended its support, leading to internal disagreements.
In response to the resignations, JD national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad downplayed the significance of the departures, asserting that the individuals were not part of the party's official structure. He emphasized that their exit would not impact the party's functioning or its electoral prospects.
This internal discord emerges at a critical juncture for JD, as the party seeks to fortify its position in the lead-up to the state elections. The resignations underscore the delicate balance Nitish Kumar must maintain to appease diverse constituencies within the party, especially in light of recent political realignments. Notably, in January 2024, Kumar resigned as Chief Minister, exiting the Mahagathbandhan alliance, and rejoined the National Democratic Alliance , citing dissatisfaction with the opposition bloc's functioning.
The political landscape in Bihar has been marked by shifting alliances and power dynamics. Kumar's decision to re-align with the Bharatiya Janata Party led to a cabinet expansion in February 2025, wherein seven BJP members were inducted, increasing the party's representation to 21 ministers, surpassing JD's 13. This move was perceived as a strategic effort to strengthen the alliance ahead of the elections.
However, this consolidation of power has not been without its challenges. Political strategist Prashant Kishor has been vocal in his criticism of Kumar, suggesting that the Chief Minister is "physically tired and mentally unfit" to lead, and urging him to step down. Kishor further speculated that Kumar might switch allegiances post-election, casting doubts on his commitment to the NDA.
The recent resignations within JD reflect broader concerns about the party's ideological direction and its implications for minority communities. As the elections approach, the party's leadership will need to address these internal fissures to present a united front to the electorate. The support for the Waqf Bill has evidently struck a chord within the party's minority wing, prompting questions about JD's commitment to secular principles.
Observers note that the political realignments in Bihar are indicative of a larger trend of fluid alliances and shifting loyalties. The Mahagathbandhan, once a formidable coalition, has witnessed the departure of key members, including JD and Rashtriya Lok Dal , both of which exited in early 2024 to join the NDA.