Bhubaneswar, Oct 27: With the Bihar Assembly elections approaching, political tensions have escalated following a controversial statement by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

During a rally in the Seemanchal region, Yadav declared that if the INDIA bloc comes to power, the Waqf (Amendment) Act would be “thrown into the dustbin”. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from BJP leaders and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who accused him of misleading voters and targeting specific communities for electoral gain.

The Waqf Act, passed by Parliament earlier this year, aims to empower the Muslim community, especially women. While the NDA government defends the legislation, opposition parties have raised concerns about its implications.

The Education Minister responded strongly, stating that Tejashwi’s comments were irresponsible and aimed at creating fear and confusion among voters. He emphasized that the Act is a central law and cannot be repealed by a state government. He also accused the RJD of past corruption and misgovernance, urging voters to reject “jungle raj” and choose development and stability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to campaign in Bihar on October 30 and hold a roadshow in Patna on November 2. BJP leaders believe these events will significantly influence voter sentiment and reinforce support for the “double-engine government” model.

As the election narrative intensifies, voters are expected to weigh issues of governance, integrity, and communal harmony. The outcome may hinge on how parties address both developmental concerns and sensitive social issues.