As the Bihar elections campaign gets hotter, the question remains: Which party do the Muslims favour in the state assembly polls? It still overwhelms the political perimeter. It is without a doubt that the Muslim voters have traditionally been backing the Congress party before the year 1990. The Bhagalpur Hindu-Muslim riots of 1989 had changed the political vision of the Muslim community.
This shift surfaced on the ground when they inclined towards Lalu Prasad as an alternate leader in Bihar. In one or more way they had proved to be ‘kingmaker’ for the RJD leader when they supported him, thereby winning the elections with the majority votes in the year1990. Later, in 2015, various issues like anti-incumbency factor, law and order situation and others brought them under the flag of Nitish Kumar as a viable choice though he had not deserted his ‘Bade Bhai’ till that time.
Now, the political situation has further changed. The entry of the AIMIM under the leadership of Asaduddin Owaisi has caused a flutter. The Muslims are desperately wanting a reversal at the political edge. They desire to elect a politician who can raise their problems in the assembly. Fundamental things need to be improved at the initiation of the elected representatives. They should at least be accountable towards the voters and bring works on the ground level.
It is correct that the combined equation of 16% and 17% ruled the roost in the state elections but will it continue before the challenge of Muslims and Dalits if coming together. It is neither striking nor credible but do you know what those, who have entered into this equation, are looking quite enthusiastic? They speculate accomplishing more than any other political alliance in the history of electoral coalitions. More than a Messiah, probably.