Patna: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies in Bihar face scrutiny over minority representation. Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) and Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas) or LJP (RV) have fielded far fewer Muslim candidates than expected. While the former has given ticket to only four Muslim candidates across its 101-seat list, the latter has nominated just one out of 29. The BJP, like in 2020, has not fielded any Muslim candidates despite the community making up 17.7% of the state’s population.

The JD(U) claims that it enjoys support from around 20% of Muslim voters in Bihar. The party has nominated candidates in Araria and Jokihat in Araria district, Amour in Kishanganj and Chainpur in Kaimur. In 2020, the party had fielded 11 Muslim candidates, all of whom were defeated

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