Bihar Polls See Fewer Muslim Candidates in NDA Allies’ Lists

In the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, the two main allies of the BJP in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Janata Dal (United) and Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vikas), have fielded significantly fewer Muslim candidates. While Muslims constitute 17.7% of Bihar’s population, the JD(U) has nominated only four Muslim candidates out of its 101-seat share. These candidates are contesting from Araria, Jokihat, Amour, and Chainpur. In comparison, the party had fielded 11 Muslim candidates in 2020, but none won.

The LJP (RV), contesting 29 seats, has fielded just one Muslim candidate from Bahadurganj. Earlier, when the party contested independently in 2020, it had fielded seven Muslims across several constituencies, but none succeeded. Over the years, both parties have adjusted their candidate selection based on past election outcomes and perceived winnability.

Other NDA constituents, including Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), have not fielded any Muslim candidates this election. In 2020, the RLM had allied with AIMIM, giving tickets to five Muslims, but this time it has not followed a similar approach.

Party leaders argue that reduced representation reflects electoral strategy rather than a shift in commitment. JD(U) emphasizes inclusive development, highlighting initiatives for minority welfare, madrasa support, and community infrastructure. LJP (RV) also maintains that its limited seats and focus on winnable constituencies dictated the selection process.

The reduced presence of Muslim candidates comes amid concerns over policies like the Waqf law amendments and the National Register of Citizens, which have historically influenced voter sentiment. As the elections approach, both parties are expected to engage with the Muslim community to maintain support while navigating political calculations across Bihar’s diverse electorate.

This election will test how effectively NDA allies balance candidate representation with electoral strategy while appealing to the state’s significant minority population.