E-Paper
Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Muslim bodies in Bihar demand seats in proportion of population
Muslims in Bihar form 17% of the voting population. In 2014, only four members from the community were elected to the Lok Sabha from Bihar while in 2009, only three could make it to Parliament.
Muslim bodies have demanded more representation of their community when political parties distribute their tickets.
Muslims in Bihar form 17% of the voting population. In 2014, only four members from the community were elected to the Lok Sabha from Bihar while in 2009, only three could make it to Parliament.
Earlier this year, a meeting of Muslim leaders, held under the aegis of Adl-O-Insaf Front, passed a resolution that there are at least 15 Lok Sabha seats out of the total 40 in the state where Muslim votes range between 12 and 42% whereas Kishanganj has 68% Muslim voters. “We demand from all political parties/alliances to give tickets in at least 10 parliamentary seats to Muslims,” said the resolution.
“It is very necessary for country’s progress that all citizens of India, particularly Muslims, should get proper representation as per their population in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, legislative councils and other local bodies. It’s a pity that even after 70 years of Independence, Muslims have not been given due representation. Political parties should seriously think on this,” said Maulana Anisur Rehman Qasami of Imarat-i-Shariah.
His views were seconded by Anwarul Hooda, principal general secretary of All India Muslim Majlis-a-Musawarat (Bihar Chapter). “The so called secular parties are only interested in taking votes of Muslim community but shy away when it comes to giving representation,” he said.
Bihar had a Muslim population of 1. 37 crore in 2001, which rose to 1.75 crore in 2011, an increase of over 27%. The state sent three Muslim MPs in 1999 and 2009 while in 2014, their number rose to four.
“It’s a wake-up call for all secular parties. “Wherever there is a good population of Muslims, the political parties should field Muslim candidates, especially secular parties for which the community has voted for the last 70 years,” said Alhaj Husnain Ahmed Qadri, general secretary of Jamait Ulema, Bihar.
