Bihar Polls: AIMIM Criticises Dy CM Pick, Questions Muslim Representation

The announcement of Mukesh Sahani as the Deputy Chief Minister face by the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar has sparked controversy over minority representation in the state. AIMIM, led by Waris Pathan, sharply criticised the decision, questioning why the alliance overlooked Bihar’s sizeable Muslim population, which makes up around 19% of the state.

Speaking on the announcement, Pathan said, “A Sahani with two percent can become mukhyamantri (deputy chief minister) but the Muslim with nineteen percent has no whereabouts.” He accused the Mahagathbandhan of hypocrisy, arguing that the selection of Sahani from the Nishad community, which constitutes roughly 2% of Bihar’s population, highlights a glaring imbalance in social justice and political representation.

The controversy also drew attention from the NDA, with Chirag Paswan echoing similar concerns about sidelining the Muslim electorate. Both AIMIM and NDA leaders have framed the decision as symbolic of caste politics overshadowing equitable representation in Bihar’s electoral landscape.

The Mahagathbandhan, however, has defended the choice of Mukesh Sahani, citing his political influence among the Nishad community and his role in consolidating the alliance’s social base. The alliance argues that balancing caste and community interests is crucial in Bihar’s complex electoral dynamics, but critics claim that ignoring the state’s significant Muslim population could have electoral repercussions.

Political analysts note that Bihar’s politics has traditionally revolved around caste and community equations, with parties often giving weightage to smaller communities to secure critical vote blocks. The AIMIM’s criticism highlights growing demands for minority representation in top leadership positions, especially in states with substantial Muslim populations.

This development has reignited debates over Bihar’s social justice formula, representation in government, and the role of alliances in ensuring inclusivity. As the state gears up for the 2025 assembly elections, the Mahagathbandhan faces pressure to address these concerns and present a more representative leadership team that resonates with Bihar’s diverse electorate.

Observers suggest that this controversy could influence the voting behaviour of Muslim communities in Bihar, while also testing the Mahagathbandhan’s ability to maintain cohesion among its coalition partners. With Mukesh Sahani confirmed as the Deputy CM face, the coming weeks will be critical in assessing whether the alliance can balance electoral strategy with social equity.