Can make any compromise in their greed for power: Bihar Dy CM targets RJD

Sinha criticised Yadav for allegedly compromising his party's stance to gain power, referencing a past statement made by Yadav's father, Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Speaking to ANI, Sinha said, "Tejashwi Yadav is the son of the father who had said that Bihar would be divided over my dead body; however, due to his greed for power and appeasement, he was the first to rush forward and adopt the central government's decision... People with such a mentality can make any compromise in their greed for power."

He was referring to the demand for creating a separate state of Jharkhand, which was eventually carved out of Bihar on November 15, 2000. As the then Chief Minister of Bihar, Yadav initially resisted the bifurcation, but ultimately gave in.

The creation of Jharkhand was a result of the long-standing demand for a separate state by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and other tribal groups. The new state comprised 18 districts from southern Bihar, significantly reducing Bihar's geographical area and economic resources. Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar on 15th November 2000.

His remarks come amid heightened political tensions following the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which has led to resignations within JD(U) and sharp criticism from the RJD.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav strongly opposed the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill, Waqf (Amendment) Bill, declaring that if his party returns to power in Bihar, the Bill would be "thrown in the dustbin."

Addressing reporters in Patna, Yadav condemned the bill and said, "We will form the government and throw this (Waqf Amendment Bill) in the dustbin."

Yadav also claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would continue its alliance with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar only until the upcoming state assembly elections scheduled for October 2025.

"BJP will keep Nitish Kumar with them until the elections. After that, both we and the people of Bihar know very well what will happen to him," he added.

Earlier on Tuesday, BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal said that Tejashwi Yadav cannot even read and understand the Waqf Amendment Bill. Yadav had targeted the Union Government over the bill on Tuesday and had termed it as 'Nagpur ka Kanoon'.

Sanjay Jaiswal said that it was clarified that the bill will be implemented in the future. He alleged the opposition of scaring the people for the sake of votes.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed after extended proceedings in Parliament, with Rajya Sabha approving it past midnight on Thursday. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announced the results: 128 votes in favour and 95 against. The Lok Sabha passed the bill the previous night after a lengthy debate, with 288 members voting in favour and 232 opposing it.

The bill, first introduced in August last year, was revised following recommendations by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. It amends the original Waqf Act of 1995, aiming to streamline the administration of Waqf properties across India. Key features include improving the registration process and incorporating technology to enhance the efficiency of Waqf board operations.

After the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill sparked a rift within the Janata Dal (United), party MLC Khalid Anwar said that the JD(U) is a secular and liberal party, asserting that all leaders continue to stand firmly behind Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

This comes after five JD(U) leaders resigned from the party after it supported the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Parliament. Party leaders, including Nadeem Akhtar, Raju Nayyar, Tabrez Siddiqui Alig, Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik and Kasim Ansari, resigned from the JD(U).