Bihar’s Politics and the Muslim Voter: From Kingmaker to Bystander

By Ritesh Sinha
( Special Report)

For decades, Bihar’s Muslim community—constituting nearly 17–18% of the state’s population—has remained a decisive electoral force. Yet, despite their numerical strength and consistent anti-BJP stance, they continue to face political neglect. Parties like the RJD and Congress have long invoked secularism and the fear of communalism to secure Muslim votes, but have failed to ensure genuine representation or empowerment.

Every election season brings familiar theatrics—”Sarvadharm Samvad” meetings, lavish iftar dinners, and lofty promises of inclusion. But once the votes are counted, the same community is left behind, betrayed by the very leaders they helped install. Bihar’s so-called secular front has mastered the art of symbolic appeasement without systemic inclusion. Despite decades of rule, the state has never seen a Muslim deputy chief minister under these parties—a striking reminder of exclusion dressed as alliance.Out of roughly two crore Muslims in Bihar, representation in the Assembly remains tokenistic—just enough to show inclusion, but never enough to influence power.

Senior leaders like Abdul Bari Siddiqui moving toward Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj indicate growing disillusionment within the community. Even in constituencies with dominant Muslim populations, candidates from other castes—mostly Yadavs—often get priority, exposing the deep-rooted caste favoritism of Bihar’s politics.Divided Within, Weakened WithoutThe Muslim community itself remains fragmented—Ashrafs, Ajlafs, Pasmandas—each carrying historical layers of social hierarchy. Neither the RJD nor Congress ever attempted to bridge this divide; both reduced a rich social identity into a mere vote-counting tool called the “Muslim vote bank.” As a result, issues of education, employment, and civic welfare in Muslim-majority areas remain unresolved.

Discontent is now taking political shape. AIMIM and Jan Suraaj are emerging as platforms channeling the community’s frustration and aspirations. While larger parties dismiss them as “vote splitters,” their rise underscores a growing realization: Muslims no longer want to be passive supporters but active stakeholders.Secularism as a PretenseThe RJD’s brand of secularism is proving hollow—less a balm for social wounds, more a mask for neglect.

Rhetoric around safety and communal harmony cannot substitute for genuine inclusion. No sustainable development programs, negligible government hiring, and the absence of leadership opportunities are creating a vacuum of trust.The Way ForwardBihar’s Muslims once held the keys to power.

Today, their votes are splintering, reflecting an awakening toward accountability and respect. If mainstream parties wish to retain their support, they must move beyond token gestures and deliver real representation.The message is clear: the era of emotional blackmail and symbolic politics is ending. Bihar’s Muslim society no longer wishes to remain a “betrayed vote bank.” It seeks dignity, participation, and leadership—the true essence of democracy.