New Delhi: Muslim political representation in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar continues to decline, raising concern among community leaders, opposition parties, and political observers. The numbers in elected assemblies fall far below the share and electoral influence of Muslims in these states.
In Bihar, only 11 Muslim legislators entered the assembly after the latest elections. Uttar Pradesh shows a similar trend. The state elected 34 Muslim MLAs in the 2022 assembly polls. The number has since dropped to 32 due to convictions, disqualifications, and by-elections.
Uttar Pradesh plays a central role in national politics. The state has 403 assembly seats, 80 Lok Sabha seats, and 31 Rajya Sabha seats. Electoral outcomes in the state shape power at the Centre. Analysts note that parties aiming for national power focus heavily on Uttar Pradesh.
Muslims form around 20 percent of the population in the state. Their votes influence results in about 143 assembly constituencies. In 73 seats, the Muslim population ranges between 35 and 50 percent. By population share, the state assembly should have over 80 Muslim MLAs. The highest number reached 68 in 2012. Each election since has shown a decline.
The 2022 assembly elections returned the BJP to power with 255 seats. The Samajwadi Party won 111 seats. Other parties shared the remaining seats. Out of the total House, only 34 Muslim MLAs won. Over 30 came from the Samajwadi Party.
Legal cases later changed the picture. Convictions led to by-elections in seats such as Rampur and Kundarki. Both seats shifted to the BJP. Other seats remained with Muslim representatives after by-elections. Even after these results, the total fell to 32.
Political voices within the opposition point to a pattern of cases followed by disqualifications. Activists in Bihar echo similar concerns. They say shrinking representation weakens democratic balance and limits Muslim voices on issues like education, employment, housing, and safety.
