‘BJP and JDU standing with Samajwad, RJD and SP are with Namazwad’: BJP hits out at Tejashwi over anti-Waqf protest
Bihar’s political arena is heating up after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav for opposing recent protests against the Waqf Board. The BJP accused him of siding with what it called “Namazwad,” a term the party used to describe politics focused on religious appeasement.
BJP spokesperson Nikhil Anand said, “The BJP and JD(U) stand for Samajwad—social justice for all. RJD and SP, however, support Namazwad, where vote bank politics matter more than the country.”
His remark triggered outrage among opposition leaders and reignited debates around secularism, communal politics, and power equations in Bihar.
Waqf Land Row Turns Political
Tensions rose after several groups protested in different parts of Bihar. They alleged that the Waqf Board had acquired land without proper documents and displaced Hindu families.
Tejashwi Yadav criticized the protests, calling them “deliberate attempts to spread hate.” He asked the administration to stop such movements, arguing they disturbed peace and unity.
The BJP responded strongly. “When Hindu families face eviction, Tejashwi sides with those exploiting legal loopholes. This is not Samajwad; this is Namazwad,” said Anand.
RJD and SP Hit Back at BJP
RJD spokesperson Manoj Jha demanded an apology. He said, “Tejashwi stood for communal harmony. BJP is trying to divide the state. These remarks are dangerous.”
The Samajwadi Party also condemned the BJP’s language. Party leader Rajendra Chaudhary called the term “Namazwad” divisive and offensive. “It shows BJP’s true face. They cannot win without pitting one community against another,” he said.
BJP Claims Ideological High Ground
According to BJP leaders, they are not targeting any religion. Instead, they claim to oppose policies that favor one group unfairly.
“Appeasement politics in the name of secularism has gone on for decades. We’re simply exposing it,” said a senior BJP leader.
The party is trying to frame the debate as one between real social justice and opportunistic politics. By using terms like Samajwad, BJP aims to challenge RJD’s socialist roots while appealing to backward caste voters.
JD(U) Cautious Amid the War of Words
JD(U), an ally of BJP, tried to stay neutral. Its spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said, “The government believes in justice and unity. If there are issues with Waqf properties, legal steps must follow.”
The party avoided endorsing BJP’s harsh words. This careful position reflects JD(U)’s need to protect its secular image while maintaining the alliance.
The Real Issue: Transparency in Waqf Land Deals
Waqf Boards manage land donated for religious and charity purposes in the Muslim community. But for years, reports have pointed to irregularities in how these lands are handled. Critics say many acquisitions happen without public notice or clear ownership records.
Hindu families affected by such acquisitions are asking for fair treatment. They want the government to verify land claims and ensure no one loses their home unfairly.
Many community leaders, however, say BJP is using these incidents to spread fear. Maulana Asad Qasmi, a cleric in Patna, said, “If there are faults, fix them. But don’t blame an entire community.”
Political Stakes for 2025
The sharp divide between BJP and RJD shows how high the political stakes are ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly election. BJP wants to consolidate Hindu votes by taking up issues tied to land and identity. RJD, on the other hand, seeks to hold its ground with backward classes and minorities.
Sources in the RJD camp said Tejashwi will soon launch a campaign that highlights BJP’s failure to address real issues like jobs and price rise.
“This talk of Waqf and ‘Namazwad’ is only to avoid questions on employment and crime,” said a party insider.
Public Opinion Remains Divided
Common people are reacting in different ways. Some believe the BJP is right to ask for transparency in Waqf dealings. Others think the party is using religion for political gain.
Local resident Sushil Kumar said, “We support action against land fraud, but the language used by BJP is wrong. It can cause tension.”
Political analyst Prabhat Kumar echoed this concern. “Such terms may help BJP draw attention, but they risk harming Bihar’s social fabric,” he said.
Conclusion: Words That Could Change the Narrative
The debate over “Samajwad vs. Namazwad” has added a new layer to Bihar’s complex political scene. BJP seems confident that this narrative will work in its favor. But opposition parties are equally firm in their response.
With elections nearing, both sides will likely keep pushing their message harder. However, the impact of such messaging on the public will only become clear over time.
In the meantime, voters in Bihar must sift through charged words and focus on what truly matters: governance, development, and unity.
