Just before the Bihar assembly elections, the Supreme Court has created a stir in the political corridors by giving an important decision on the Waqf Act. The Supreme Court has ordered the implementation of the Waqf Act passed by the Parliament with some amendments. This decision on the Waqf Board has fueled an issue which is directly related to the vote bank of the Muslim community.
This law was passed in Parliament by the NDA government, which was strongly opposed by the opposition parties. While this decision, which came after a marathon hearing of three days, has given relief to the ruling party on one hand, the Muslim side has also got some relief. In such a situation, the big question is what will be the effect of this decision in Bihar elections 2025? If there is an effect, then how much will it be and which party will be harmed and which party will benefit?
Let us tell you that in its decision, the Supreme Court has not completely banned the Waqf Act, but has ordered to implement it with some amendments. The court has said that disputes related to Waqf property should be settled within the ambit of law, but those provisions which were questioned by the petitioners should be reconsidered. This decision is neither a complete victory for the NDA nor a complete defeat for the opposition. Both camps will try to cash in on it among the public in their own ways.
Impact of the decision on Muslim vote bank
The Muslim vote bank has always played a decisive role in Bihar politics. It is believed that Muslim voters traditionally stand with non-NDA parties, especially RJD. After this decision of the Supreme Court, the message can go to the Muslim community that the court heard their concerns and gave them relief. RJD will capitalize on the fact that they took the issue of Muslims from Parliament to the streets and the Supreme Court.
How much impact on Bihar elections?
However, the Muslim side has reacted to the decision and said that they have got some relief. This shows that they are not completely unhappy. This is a situation that both camps can take advantage of. The NDA will present this decision as its victory. It will give the message to the public that the law it made has also been justified by the country’s highest court. The BJP will also claim that it has not done anything against any community and its only aim is to ensure justice.
The Mahagathbandhan will continue to oppose this decision, but their focus will now be on the ‘amendments’ suggested by the Supreme Court. They will argue that if it were not for their fight, the Supreme Court would not have to interfere in the law. They will continue to present themselves as true well-wishers of the Muslim community.
In such a situation, the Supreme Court’s decision on the Waqf law can become a big game changer before the Bihar elections. In the survey report of Vote Wave, 70% of Muslim voters are inclined towards the Mahagathbandhan. After this decision, it is possible that some more Muslim voters may be inclined towards the Mahagathbandhan. In such a situation, it will be interesting to see how successful the NDA is in proving its victory and how the Mahagathbandhan is able to turn this decision to its advantage.
