New Delhi: Results from key Muslim dominated seats in Bihar point to a mixed shift in political preference, with voters distributing their support between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan. The pattern departs from the earlier trend of consolidated backing for non NDA alliances, especially in the Seemanchal belt where Muslim voters play a decisive role.
Congress retained its foothold in two of the four constituencies with the highest Muslim population. Abidur Rahman secured a strong lead in Araria, and Mohammed Qamrul Hoda won in Kishanganj with a margin of 12,000 votes. Katihar moved in a different direction. BJP candidate Tarkishore Prasad won the seat in a district where Muslims form 44 per cent of the population. Purnea also went to the BJP, with Vijay Kumar Khemka winning by over 33,000 votes.
Muslims form 17.7 per cent of Bihar’s population. Their share reaches 47 per cent in Seemanchal, which includes Araria, Katihar, Kishanganj and Purnea. The region has 24 Assembly constituencies. Many areas in Seemanchal face poverty, low development and recurring floods. These issues influence voting behaviour along with religion and caste.
The voting history shows frequent shifts in Muslim support. RJD has traditionally gained the largest share of Muslim votes. JDU has seen sharp fluctuations. It drew 23.5 per cent Muslim votes in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, 6 per cent in 2019 and 12 per cent in 2024. JDU’s performance in Assembly elections shifted when alliances changed. It fielded seven Muslim candidates in 2015 and five won. It fielded 11 in 2020 and none won.
Muslim representation in the Assembly has moved between 19 and 24 seats over the last decade. In 2020, eight of 18 RJD Muslim candidates won, along with four Congress candidates. Seven others won on BSP, CPI ML and AIMIM tickets. The data shows that many Muslim voters in Bihar assess local conditions and choose candidates they believe will address their concerns.
