Patna: The Mahagathbandhan’s latest election strategy centers on the Waqf Act, as the alliance seeks to strengthen its appeal among Muslim voters ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. The alliance’s manifesto includes a commitment to uphold and implement the Waqf Act across the state, signaling a shift toward property and community rights-based outreach.
Bihar has one of the largest areas under Waqf management in India. Data from the Ministry of Minority Affairs shows that the state has more than 8,640 immovable Waqf properties covering nearly two lakh acres of land. Patna alone accounts for over 3,200 Waqf properties, followed by Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Bhojpur, Bhagalpur, and Nalanda.
Most Waqf properties in Bihar are commercial in nature. Shops make up around 20 percent, while plots, houses, mosques, and graveyards follow closely. Agricultural land forms only about seven percent of the total. These properties, if managed effectively, represent a large community resource base, making the issue politically relevant in a state where Muslims form a decisive voting bloc.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, passed earlier this year, has kept the issue in public debate. The new law aims to improve transparency and oversight in managing Waqf properties, bringing in non-Muslim and women members into Waqf boards. The Mahagathbandhan’s promise to prioritize the Act could shape how Muslim voters perceive its commitment to community empowerment.
