Muslims Underrepresented in Bihar Assembly Polls

Strategic Insights -

Muslims in Bihar, a state with a 17.7% Muslim population, face underrepresentation in the upcoming assembly polls. Despite making up 20% of the population in 87 constituencies, Muslim candidates have received only 34% of the total tickets distributed by the major parties. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has fielded 18 Muslim candidates, while the Janata Dal (United) and Congress have given tickets to 4 and 10 Muslims respectively. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not given tickets to Muslims, and its ally Lok Janshakti Party has given tickets to only one Muslim candidate. Muslim leaders have expressed their discontent over the lack of representation, citing polarisation as a major concern.

Key Takeaways:

  • Muslim candidates have received only 34% of the total tickets distributed by the major parties, despite making up 17.7% of the state's population.
  • The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has fielded the most Muslim candidates, with 18 out of 143 candidates.
  • The Janata Dal (United) has fielded 4 Muslim candidates out of 101, while the Congress has given tickets to 10 Muslims out of 61.
  • The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not given tickets to any Muslim candidates.
  • Muslim leaders have expressed their resentment over the lack of proper representation in the ticket distribution, citing polarisation as a major concern.
  • A group of Muslim leaders, under the aegis of Adl-O-Insaf Front, passed a resolution last year highlighting the underrepresentation of Muslims in the state.
  • The number of Muslim assembly members has never crossed 10% except in 1985, when 34 Muslim lawmakers were elected.
  • Only 390 Muslims have been elected to the assembly since 1952, accounting for just 7.8% of the total.

Statistics:

  • 17.7% of Bihar's population is Muslim.
  • 34 Muslim candidates have received tickets from the major parties.
  • 18 Muslim candidates have been fielded by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
  • 4 Muslim candidates have been fielded by the Janata Dal (United).
  • 10 Muslim candidates have been fielded by the Congress.
  • 1 Muslim candidate has been fielded by the Lok Janshakti Party.
  • 21 Muslim candidates were fielded by Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party.
  • 20% of the population in 87 constituencies is Muslim.

Sources:

  • Hindustan Times
  • Adl-O-Insaf Front
  • Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)
  • Janata Dal (United)
  • Congress
  • Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
  • Lok Janshakti Party
  • Jan Suraaj Party