In Bihar's Seemanchal region, home to the state's largest Muslim population, voters display varied political preferences ahead of the second phase of Assembly elections scheduled for November 11. The region comprises 24 seats across Purnia, Araria, Katihar, and Kishanganj districts. While Muslims largely favour the RJD-Congress alliance, some have shown willingness to support other parties including Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM and Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj. The demographic profile—with Kishanganj at 67.89% Muslim population, Katihar at 44.47%, Araria at 42.95%, and Purnia at 38.46%—makes the area conducive for the Mahagathbandhan. However, the NDA has gained ground among non-Yadav Hindus across castes. The Nitish Kumar-led government's welfare schemes, including the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana which transferred Rs 10,000 to women beneficiaries, receive mixed responses. While some Hindu voters, particularly from OBC and Dalit communities, credit the NDA with development, many Muslim voters either downplay these efforts or support opposition parties despite acknowledging Nitish's secular credentials.
Divided Muslim votes across key constituencies
Muslim voters in Seemanchal exhibit diverse electoral choices despite forming the majority in several constituencies. In Araria, where Muslims constitute half the electorate, shopkeeper Mohammad Sulaiman acknowledges Owaisi as educated but says they back RJD-Congress because Owaisi cannot win Bihar. The Jokihat constituency, with an estimated 70% Muslim voters, witnesses a unique contest between two brothers—sons of late politician Tasleemuddin. Incumbent RJD MLA Shahnawaz Alam faces his brother Sarfaraz Alam from Jan Suraaj, alongside JD(U) and AIMIM candidates. Local Muslims debate their preferences, with some favouring Sarfaraz for being helpful, while others believe divided votes might help JD(U). In 2020, AIMIM won five seats here, and this year contests 11 of its 25 statewide candidates from Seemanchal.
Welfare schemes receive mixed responses from voters
The Nitish government's pre-election welfare initiatives evoke contrasting reactions. Sanjeeda Alam from Lehtora village received Rs 10,000 under MMRY but remains unimpressed, claiming a government representative told her Rs 50 interest would be charged every 10 months. Her husband Saiyad calls it a loan, not a gift, and supports Tejashwi Yadav as chief minister. Sanjeeda recognises Lalu Prasad and Rahul Gandhi, who once visited her village. Conversely, in Manikpur Bara village inhabited by EBCs and Mahadalits, Champa Devi of the Rishidev caste supports BJP, saying Modi has given much. She firmly wants Nitish Kumar as CM. Several Hindu voters from OBC and Dalit communities credit the NDA with development, while many Muslims downplay such efforts despite appreciating Nitish's secular approach.
Source: Link