Seemanchal’s Muslim Vote Bank: A Threat to Bihar’s Stability
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The Seeemanchal region of Bihar, which comprises Purnia, Katihar, Kishanganj and Araria districts, accounting for 24 assembly seats, holds the key to power. This raises a concern about the politics of Muslim appeasement that has started to take place ahead of the upcoming elections.
The region, which is also considered the most backward in Bihar, has a 47% Muslim population as against Bihar’s state-wide average of 17%. This makes the region “demographically peculiar” in terms of political behavior. While in Kishanganj, Muslims account for 70% of the population, they comprise 42% of the population in Araria, 43% in Kathihar and 38% in Purnia districts.
Reports reveal a sharp rise in the Muslim population, partly attributed to illegal Bangladeshi infiltration, leading to significant demographic shifts in these districts. This shift has prompted RJD, Congress and AIMIM to vie for dominance in the region, banking heavily on Muslim-majority constituencies.
Amidst this, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), led by Lalu Yadav and his family, intensified its politics of Muslim appeasement in this region. The Lalu family's symbolic gestures-like hosting Islamic rituals by Rabri Devi at her residence-further cement their alignment with Muslim communities. However, these efforts often come at the expense of other communities, fostering divisiveness.
Interestingly, historical references indicate that Bihar's Muslim population played controversial roles during the Partition and Bangladesh Liberation War. The recent remarks by a Sindh Assembly member reaffirmed these claims, highlighting contributions by Bihar-origin Muslims to Pakistan's creation.
Moreover, disruptions to Hindu religious events in Bihar under RJD's influence, such as attacks on Saraswati Puja processions, further fuel apprehensions about the party's bias. Additionally, measures like declaring Fridays as holidays in some Seemanchal schools deepen concerns over the region's growing communal imbalance. This draws a parallel line with Bangladesh, where Hindu minorities face severe persecution, are inevitable.
This concern threatens the region's socio-political stability and raises concerns about national unity.
The situation in Bihar is a stark reminder of the dangers of vote-bank politics and its potential to destabilise national unity. As appeasement policies take precedence, the question remains-will Bihar's leadership prioritise national interest or continue down a path fraught with peril?