‘Tokenism’: Muslim Body Rejects Nitish Kumar’s Iftaar Invite Over Waqf Bill Support

Patna: A prominent Muslim body in Bihar , Imarat Shariah, rejected Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ’s Iftaar invitation on Saturday, protesting his support for the Waqf Bill. The organization accused Kumar of betraying the rights of minorities and dismissed his gesture as "tokenism."

Muslim Organization Declined CM’s Invitation

The Imarat Shariah, which has a strong presence in Bihar, Jharkhand , and Odisha , released a letter confirming its decision to boycott the Iftaar event scheduled at the Chief Minister’s residence on March 23.

In the letter, the organization stated: "A decision has been taken not to attend the government (sarkaari) Iftaar on March 23... This decision has been taken in view of your support for the Waqf Bill, which threatens to worsen the economic and educational backwardness of Muslims."

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Allegations Against Nitish Kumar Over Waqf Bill

The Imarat Shariah strongly criticized Kumar, accusing him of breaking his secular commitments and aligning with the BJP despite earlier promises to protect minority rights.

"You rose to power promising a secular (dharm-nirapeksh) rule in which minorities' rights were protected. But your alliance with the BJP and your support for a legislation that is unconstitutional and illogical, militates against your stated commitments," the letter read.

Further, the organization dismissed the Iftaar event as a symbolic and meaningless gesture, stating: "Your government's indifference towards concerns of Muslims render meaningless such formal gatherings."

No Immediate Response Nitish Kumar

So far, neither Nitish Kumar nor his party, the JD(U), has responded to the boycott. The party has historically relied on a portion of Muslim votes while presenting itself as a "secular" political force.

However, with the Bihar Assembly elections approaching later this year, this rejection of Kumar’s Iftaar invite has raised questions about his government’s standing among minority communities. The JD(U)-BJP alliance, both at the state and national levels, is now under increased scrutiny over its policies affecting minorities.