Kishanganj: A shift is brewing in Bihar’s Seemanchal region as Muslim voters, long considered loyal to the RJD, express frustration over being sidelined. At tea stalls and street corners, conversations revolve around the fear of a split between what locals describe as the “Big RSS” and the “Small RSS” – terms used for the BJP and Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM respectively.
The discontent stems from the INDIA bloc’s decision not to announce a deputy chief minister post for a Muslim leader, despite offering the same to Mukesh Sahani of the Mallah community. With Muslims forming 17.7 percent of Bihar’s electorate compared with the Mallahs’ 2.6 percent, the move is seen as a slight by many in the community.
For decades, the Muslim-Yadav alliance crafted by Lalu Prasad sustained the RJD’s dominance. Now, with Lalu stepping back and Tejashwi Yadav courting the Mallah vote, many fear the traditional Muslim support base is weakening. “The RJD has taken us for granted,” said Mohammad Aquil of Baisi, “but splitting votes will help the NDA.”
In 2020, AIMIM’s rise in Seemanchal saw it capture five assembly seats, energised by protests over the CAA and NRC. This time, the mood is mixed. Some believe Owaisi’s appeal among the youth will divide votes, while others say Muslims are more cautious and seeking unity for a “bhaichara ki sarkar.”
Analysts note that Seemanchal’s Muslim electorate remains politically aware and strategic, balancing identity concerns with the need for stability. Whether this churning reshapes Bihar’s political map will become clear in 2025.
