Muslim representation debate flares up in Bihar

As Bihar gears up for the elections, the Grand Alliance has put forth Tejashwi Yadav as their contender for the chief minister role, igniting a spirited conversation about minority representation in politics.

The Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) partners in Bihar held a joint press conference in Patna on Thursday where Congress leader Ashok Gehlot announced Tejashwi Yadav as the coalition's chief ministerial face and Mukesh Sahni as a deputy CM candidate. Gehlot said more deputy chief ministers representing other communities would be appointed if the MGB came to power.

The BJP, however, accused the alliance of sidelining the Muslim community despite its consistent support.

"Mahagathbandhan does not value minorities; it only uses Muslims as a vote bank and ignores them in ticket distribution. The community feels cheated. Where is the 'MY equation'? I appeal to the minority community to support the NDA for development," senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain told ET.

Union minister and LJP (RV) leader Chirag Paswan also joined the debate on Saturday.

"In 2005, my father, the late Ram Vilas Paswan ji, even gave up his own party to make a Muslim chief minister, yet you did not support him. RJD wasn't ready for a Muslim CM then, and even in 2025 it isn't ready for a Muslim CM or deputy CM. If you remain a bonded vote bank, how will you get respect and participation?" he posted on X.Responding to the criticism, Congress Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru said the MGB would have more than one deputy CM if elected. "One deputy CM will be from Congress, and the alliance will ensure representation for all communities. To be specific, there will be a Muslim deputy CM too, which will be decided after the polls," he told ET.

Muslims make up about 18% of Bihar's population, and with parties like AIMIM in the fray, none of the major alliances want to risk alienating the community.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also weighed in on Saturday, posting a detailed message on X highlighting his government's work for minorities.

"Various temptations and tactics are being used to secure Muslim votes without offering real representation. In our government, the Muslim community is getting its due rights and fair representation, unlike previous governments that only sought their votes without giving them a share in power," Kumar wrote.
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Source: EconomicTimes
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