In the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, Muslim candidates comprise just 10% of the total 4,136 contestants, according to the state’s election department. Of these, 420 candidates identify as Muslim, with more than half running as independents. Major political parties have shown limited representation, with Congress fielding only nine Muslim candidates and BJP none. In contrast, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has nominated five, while Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM leads with 16 Muslim candidates. Notably, 218 Muslim contestants are independents, and smaller parties contribute approximately 150.
Analysis of constituency data underscores the uneven spread of Muslim candidates. Over 150 constituencies do not feature any Muslim contestants, and nearly 50 have only one Muslim candidate. While the numbers thin out across many districts, Malegaon Central is an exception, presenting an all-Muslim roster of 13 candidates.
Similarly, Aurangabad East has 17 Muslim candidates out of 29, showcasing a rare concentration of minority representation. However, Muslim women face even greater challenges; only 22 of the total candidates are Muslim women, constituting a mere 0.5% of the candidate pool. In 270 constituencies, no Muslim woman is running, either independently or for a party.
Former state cabinet minister Anees Ahemad highlights the financial hurdles that hinder minority participation. “The high cost of contesting elections often makes it out of reach for middle-class candidates, especially from minority communities,” he noted.
While there is a pressing need to support and encourage Muslim women in politics, financial constraints continue to be a significant barrier, limiting opportunities for wider representation in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
