With Muslims constituting nearly 29% of Jale’s electorate, the party overlooks Muhammad Naushad for a controversial candidate fuelling discontent in the community
PATNA — The Bihar Assembly elections have brought the issue of Muslim representation into sharp focus in Jale in Darbhanga District, a constituency where Muslims make up approximately 29% of the voters. The Congress party’s decision to deny a ticket to seasoned community leader Muhammad Naushad in favour of a contentious candidate has sparked allegations of political manipulation, exposing tensions within the Mahagathbandhan and leaving many voters disillusioned.
In the 2015 Jale Assembly election, BJP’s Jibesh Kumar Mishra secured 62,059 votes, defeating Congress’s Noor Akhtar, who received 41,669 votes. In 2020, Jibesh Kumar strengthened his position, winning 87,376 votes (51.6% of the total), while Congress candidate Maskoor Ahmad Usmani garnered 65,580 votes (38.68%). These results highlight Jale’s competitive electoral landscape, where candidate selection is critical to success.
Sources within Congress revealed internal deliberations behind the ticket allocation. Initially, Muhammad Naushad, a respected local leader, was a frontrunner for the Congress nomination. However, in a last-minute decision, the party selected Rishi Mishra, a move critics argue undermined Muslim voter confidence and strained alliance dynamics.
Political analyst Sarwar Ahmad remarked, “Congress missed an opportunity to demonstrate inclusivity by not fielding Muhammad Naushad. Choosing a controversial candidate has created distrust among Muslim voters, who feel caught in a political bind.”
The controversy deepened with allegations surrounding an unrelated incident involving Muhammad Naushad. Despite his absence from the event in question, a case was filed against him, which some observers claim was amplified by BJP-aligned media to stoke communal tensions. This incident further complicated Congress’s narrative in Jale.
A senior Congress official, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the misstep: “Our goal was not to alienate the Muslim community, but the rushed ticket allocation process caused confusion and mistrust.”
Local voters echoed this sentiment. “We’ve supported parties that promise to protect our interests, but decisions like this make us feel sidelined,” said a Muslim voter from Jale, reflecting broader community frustration.
The Jale controversy underscores deeper challenges within the Mahagathbandhan, where competing interests among alliance partners often disrupt coordination. What could have been a strategic ticket allocation turned into a public display of discord, with potential long-term consequences for voter trust and alliance unity.
Analysts warn that such decisions could suppress Muslim voter turnout and weaken the Mahagathbandhan’s cohesion, potentially benefiting the BJP. Sarwar Ahmad added, “Opaque, last-minute decisions without consulting local leaders risk alienating key communities that the alliance claims to represent.”
The events in Jale reflect broader challenges in Bihar’s political landscape. Congress’s handling of candidate selection has raised critical questions about minority representation and the need for transparent, inclusive decision-making. As Muslim voters, a significant electoral bloc, await stronger assurances from political leaders, the elections serve as a reminder of the delicate balance required to maintain trust and engagement in Bihar’s diverse electorate.
