The constituency is home to over 41,000 Muslim voters. They reside in concentrated pockets across several panchayats, giving them an organised influence
NEW DELHI/PATNA — Harlakhi Assembly in Madhubani district of Bihar has emerged as a focal point ahead of the state elections. Situated near the Nepal border, the constituency carries both cultural and political significance. Its rural character and caste-religion equations make it a unique electoral landscape, where the Muslim community holds the power to influence outcomes decisively. Out of approximately three lakh voters, Muslims number around 41,300, accounting for more than 14 per cent of the electorate. Unlike scattered communities elsewhere, Muslim voters in Harlakhi reside in concentrated pockets across several panchayats, giving them an organised influence that can determine the poll outcome.
Local resident and social activist Shahid Ali explained, “Muslims here are not just voters; we are a community whose decision can make or break an election. Political parties understand that our support is crucial, and this has always given us real political power.”
The political alignment of Muslims in Harlakhi has evolved over decades. In the 1950s and 1960s, the community largely supported the Congress and the Communist Party of India (CPI). The leftist parties relied heavily on minority votes to maintain their strength, particularly in constituencies like Harlakhi, where community solidarity was strong.
Historian and political observer Dr Anwar Rizvi remarked: “During the early decades after independence, Muslims in Bihar saw the Congress and CPI as parties that could protect minority interests and provide social justice. Their support was significant in shaping local politics.”
The landscape began to change in the 1990s when Lalu Prasad Yadav’s rise transformed Bihar’s political scene. Muslims shifted allegiance to the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), seeing in it a party that could champion social justice and safeguard their interests. In Harlakhi, this shift was evident, as the Muslim vote consolidated behind RJD candidates, strengthening the party’s position.
Local school teacher and resident Farida Bano recalled, “We trusted RJD because it gave us a voice in politics. For years, our community felt heard and represented. That loyalty has not faded completely, even though new parties are trying to win our support.”
The 2015 elections introduced a new dynamic in Harlakhi. Basant Kumar Kushwaha of the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) won the seat, marking a shift from previous patterns. After his death, his son, Sudhanshu Shekhar, retained the seat in the ensuing by-election, demonstrating the continuing influence of local leaders. However, the RJD, while still a strong presence, began to see part of its traditional Muslim support moving towards the Janata Dal-United (JDU), particularly after its alliance with RJD ended and political calculations in both the NDA and Mahagathbandhan changed.
Political analyst Imran Qureshi noted, “Muslims in Harlakhi face a dilemma. RJD has been our traditional party for decades, but JDU promises tangible benefits through government schemes. This has created a split that is now influencing election outcomes.”
The RLSP’s emergence and subsequent alliances reshaped local politics. While RJD continued to rely on its social justice narrative, JDU began leveraging its administrative record, highlighting schemes and governance under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This dual approach created confusion among Muslim voters, many of whom had long relied on historical loyalty to decide their vote.
The 2020 assembly elections underlined the division among Muslim voters. JDU’s Sudhanshu Shekhar won Harlakhi for the second consecutive term, defeating the CPI candidate. Analysts observed that while one segment of Muslim voters remained loyal to traditional parties like RJD and CPI, another portion gravitated towards JDU. This division weakened the opposition and prevented it from establishing a dominant position in the constituency.
During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, BJP candidate Ashok Kumar Yadav gained a lead of around 41,000 votes in Harlakhi Assembly. This surprising development indicated that Muslim votes did not consolidate entirely behind the opposition, allowing parts of the community to align with NDA candidates alongside the majority population.
Local community leader Farhan Siddiqui explained, “Our votes have historically been decisive, but the division within our community benefits the NDA and its allies. When we are split, the opposition struggles to win. Our unity can change results, but parties try to divide us with promises and schemes.”
As Bihar moves towards the elections, all major parties are carefully plotting strategies to win Muslim support in Harlakhi. For RJD, the focus remains on its social justice narrative, appealing to historical loyalty and long-term connections with the community. Party leaders emphasise representation and minority rights, stressing that RJD continues to champion Muslim welfare.
RJD district president, Mahmood Ansari, said, “We have always stood with Muslims. Our history shows that we care about their rights and development. In Harlakhi, our support is deep-rooted and genuine.”
JDU, on the other hand, highlights governance achievements and benefits of state schemes under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. It encourages Muslim voters to consider practical advantages and access to services if JDU retains power.
JDU local coordinator, Ravi Kumar, stated, “We focus on delivering results. The community benefits when schemes reach their homes. This is not politics of words; it is governance that matters.”
Although BJP has traditionally had limited support among Muslims, its alliance with JDU allows it to gain a foothold in Harlakhi. BJP leaders rely on the NDA coalition to consolidate votes from other communities while hoping to attract segments of Muslim voters who value development and stability.
Muslim residents of Harlakhi are acutely aware of their political power. Many express that while loyalty to RJD remains, they are open to considering parties that promise tangible benefits and safeguard their interests.
Community member Ayesha Khatoon said, “We know that our votes can decide elections. Our elders have supported RJD for years, but we also look at who can really help our families with schemes and opportunities. We cannot afford to ignore practical benefits.”
Shahid Ali added, “Our votes have power. Every party comes to us before elections, and we have to think carefully. If we stay divided, the opposition loses. But if we unite, we can influence who wins, not just in Harlakhi, but across the district.”
The situation in Harlakhi reflects larger trends in Bihar politics, where Muslim votes have the potential to shape electoral outcomes decisively. Division within the community can allow parties like JDU and NDA to gain advantages even in constituencies where RJD has historically been strong. Conversely, a consolidated Muslim vote could reverse the trend, making the community a kingmaker in regional politics.
Political analyst Zafar Hussain noted, “Harlakhi is a microcosm of Bihar’s political scene. Here, Muslims have the numbers and organisation to change outcomes. If the community remains united, it can ensure that its interests are represented effectively. This is the real lesson for all parties: ignoring Muslim voters is no longer an option.”
Harlakhi continues to be a testing ground for political strategies. Parties are aware that every Muslim vote counts and that historical loyalty may not be enough to secure victory. Alliances, governance promises, and local leadership will all play roles in determining the outcome.
Farida Bano concluded, “We are aware of our influence. Political parties know that. Our unity matters more than anything else. We have seen what happens when we are divided, and we also know that together, we can shape the future of Harlakhi.”
The Harlakhi Assembly constituency exemplifies the critical role of Muslims in Bihar’s political landscape. With their votes concentrated and decisive, the community continues to be a central force in elections. Parties, while trying to appeal to caste and religious equations, must reckon with the organised influence of Muslim voters who have shown, time and again, that they are key players capable of determining political outcomes.
