The newly elected Bihar Assembly will have the lowest number of Muslim MLAs in over three decades, with just 10 legislators from the community securing seats. This marks a significant drop despite Muslims comprising 17.7% of Bihar's population according to the 2022-23 state caste survey. Both the ruling NDA and the opposition Mahagathbandhan fielded fewer Muslim candidates compared to previous elections. The AIMIM won five seats in the Muslim-dominated Seemanchal region, maintaining its 2020 performance. The RJD secured two Muslim MLAs, while the JD(U) and Congress each got one. Historical data shows Muslim representation peaked at 24 MLAs in 2015, dropped to 19 in 2020, and has now reached its lowest point since 1990. The reduced number of Muslim candidates fielded by major parties contributed to this decline in representation.
Muslim Representation Drops to Three-Decade Low
The Bihar Assembly will see only 10 Muslim MLAs after the recent elections, the lowest figure since 1990 across eight consecutive polls. Despite Muslims making up 17.7% of the state's 13.07 crore population, both major alliances fielded fewer candidates from the community than in 2020. In 2010, there were 19 Muslim legislators representing 7.81% of the House. This number rose to 24 in 2015 (9.87% representation), then fell to 19 in 2020, and has now declined further. The JD(U) fielded 11 Muslim candidates in 2020 but none won. This year, only one JD(U) Muslim candidate, Mohd Zama Khan from Chainpur, secured victory. The drastic reduction reflects both candidate selection and electoral outcomes across parties.
Source: Link