Muslim Leaders Shift from Owaisi to Tejashwi: Bihar’s Political Winds Take a Turn

 In Bihar's continuing political war, the debate about Muslim voters heats up. Asaduddin Owaisi, known for his outspoken views on Muslim representation, has been working to consolidate the community's votes ahead of the election.

However, the Muslim leaders he anticipated would support him are suddenly backing away. Several leaders from Owaisi's AIMIM party have crossed sides and joined the Rashtriya Janata Dal. This departure has raised the question of whether Bihar's Muslim voters are now supporting Tejashwi Yadav rather than Owaisi.

The leaders who earlier stood shoulder to shoulder with Owaisi, distinguishable by their green scarves, are now pictured with Tejashwi Yadav. Until recently, they were the main force behind Owaisi's Bihar political ambitions. However, a sudden change of heart has caused them to cut connections with their former leader and embrace the RJD, represented by the lantern.

While many of these defectors were lower-level leaders (block presidents, district council members, or grassroots workers), their departure has symbolic significance. In 2022, four of five AIMIM MLAs had already joined Tejashwi Yadav. Now, as elections near, even local party workers have chosen to follow suit, demonstrating where the wind is.

The message is clear: the Muslim voters whom Owaisi formerly attempted to rally through religious appeals now appear to choose Tejashwi Yadav as their political leader. Owaisi had announced plans to run for 32 seats in Bihar, with candidates for 25 of them already announced.

His primary focus has been on the Seemanchal region, which is noted for its high proportion of Muslim voters. Ironically, AIMIM's own local leaders in Kishanganj, a Muslim-majority district, have moved their support to Tejashwi.

Tejashwi's acceptance of these leaders is not merely generous; it is purposeful. Muslims are an important factor in this election, and each party is competing for their support. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has sent an open letter to Muslim voters, while Tejashwi emphasizes legal and social inclusion. Meanwhile, the BJP has taken a contentious stance, equating the burqa to terrorism and fraud, causing more uproar. Sangeet Som, a BJP leader, asserted that "burqas hide terrorism and scams," saying that individuals who do not wear burqas reflect authentic Sanatani culture. His comment, however, has sparked widespread condemnation for eroding constitutional rights such as freedom of expression, dress, and religion.

Religious scholars and clergy have harshly condemned Som's remarks, describing them as an attempt to humiliate Muslim women and slander the entire community. They believe it is part of a wider political campaign to instill fear and divisiveness. The scandal has spread to Uttar Pradesh, where political leaders are organizing their own campaigns. Just like Bihar, the political atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh is heating up over Muslim representation, with opposition figures attempting to organize the community in their favor. It appears that Muslim voters' shifting loyalties—away from Owaisi and toward Tejashwi—have become a hot topic in India's present political climate.