Only two Muslim women among 79 candidates, highlighting systematic political marginalisation
NEW DELHI — Despite being nearly 18% of Bihar’s population, Muslims remain severely underrepresented in the state’s politics, particularly women. Across the current assembly elections, all major parties have fielded 79 Muslim candidates, only two of whom are women highlighting systemic marginalisation.
Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM has nominated 23 Muslims, and Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party 21, yet neither includes a single woman. Of the 486 tickets allotted by the two main alliances, only 35 (7.2%) went to Muslims.
“The political voice of Muslims in Bihar is still limited, and women’s representation is almost non-existent,” said political analyst Dr Anwar Hussain.
Within the Mahagathbandhan, RJD has nominated 18 Muslim candidates and Congress 10, while Left parties have only two. The ruling JDU, which claims to champion Muslim welfare, has fielded just four Muslims, with Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) nominating one and BJP none.
Across all parties, 88 women candidates are contesting: Jan Suraaj 25, RJD 23, BJP and JDU 13 each, Lok Janshakti 6, Congress 5, Hindustan Awam Morcha 2, VIP 1. Notably, no Muslim women feature among Jan Suraaj’s 25.
The two Muslim women candidates are Shagufta Azeem (JDU) from Araria, Seemanchal, and Ishrat Parveen (RJD) from Pranpur, Katihar. Azeem, a 43-year-old MA graduate, previously contested in 2020, securing 29.33% of votes. She focuses on women’s safety, education, healthcare, and flood relief. “I want to continue raising my voice for the daughters of this region,” she said.
Ishrat Parveen, 41, with a 10th-standard education, has been active in agriculture, social work, and politics. Formerly a district council member, she has contested elections multiple times, steadily building her political presence. “With RJD’s support, I aim to be a strong voice for our people,” she said.
Historically, Muslim women’s participation has been limited. Notable past figures include Raziya Khatoon, Parveen Amanullah, Ashma Parveen, Kahkashan Parveen, and Bula Doza.
The Bihar assembly elections continue, with a 64.66% turnout in the first phase on 6 November. The second phase is on 11 November, with counting on 14 November. Observers stress that underrepresentation of Muslims, particularly women, remains a pressing concern.
“Political parties must genuinely include minority voices; otherwise, the democratic process is incomplete,” said Dr Hussain.
