Patna: A prominent Muslim organisation in Bihar, Imarat Shariah, has announced its decision to decline Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's invitation for an 'Iftaar' gathering. The group cited its opposition to his "support" for the Waqf Bill as the reason for the protest.

The Imarat Shariah, which claims to have a significant following across Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, shared a copy of its response to the invitation for the 'Iftaar', scheduled to be held at the chief minister’s residence on Sunday.

“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,” the letter stated.

Allegations of betraying secular promises

The organisation criticised Kumar, alleging that he had failed to uphold the secular values he had promised upon taking office.

“You rose to power promising a secular rule in which minorities' rights would be protected. But your alliance with the BJP and your support for a legislation that is unconstitutional and illogical militates against your stated commitments,” the Imarat Shariah alleged.

Iftaar called 'Tokenism'

Describing the chief minister’s 'Iftaar' event as mere "tokenism," the Imarat Shariah stated, “Your government's indifference towards concerns of Muslims renders meaningless such formal gatherings.”

No immediate response from Nitish Kumar

As of now, there has been no official response from Nitish Kumar or his party, the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)]. The JD(U) has traditionally relied on a section of Muslim voters by emphasising the leader’s "secular" image.

Currently, the party shares power with the BJP both at the Centre and in Bihar, where assembly elections are scheduled to take place later this year.

PTI