Siwan district in Bihar has become the epicenter of intense political campaigning, attracting heavyweight leaders including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister Amit Shah, and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi.
The district’s significant Muslim electorate and memories of controversial politician Mohammad Shahabuddin’s era have made it a crucial electoral battleground.
Owaisi’s Representation Challenge
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi initiated the political offensive by highlighting minority representation issues, stating: “Muslims form 17 per cent of Bihar’s population yet they remain deprived of justice and representation.”
Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Owaisi questioned existing power structures: “When communities with 3 per cent or 14 per cent of the population can have Deputy Chief Ministers and Chief Ministers, why should 17 per cent only spread carpets for them?”
Yogi Adityanath’s Response
Yogi Adityanath countered with a rally that drew hundreds of supporters, some arriving with bulldozers—a symbol associated with his governance style. In characteristic rhetoric, he warned: “Don’t let the return of Jungle Raj. Don’t let those who worship criminals take over again.”
His speech aimed at Hindu voter consolidation without directly naming any community.
AIMIM’s Electoral Ambitions
Local AIMIM candidate Mohammad Kaif articulated aggressive electoral goals: “If Nitish Kumar can be Chief Minister with 16 per cent, why not us with 17 per cent? This time, we’re aiming for the main seat.”
“Now Muslims are one, we will rule. Why should we beg from any party? We will win unitedly. This time the fight is for the community. Owaisi does not say anything wrong. Tejashwi Yadav has also only used Muslims. This time he will get a reply,” Kaif stated, accusing opposition leaders of exploiting Muslim votes without genuine representation.
Historical Context
Siwan’s older residents, particularly Hindu voters, recall the violence during Shahabuddin’s dominance in the 1990s and 2000s with fear. One resident referenced acid attacks from that period, stating: “We remember those acid attacks. People were terrified to even step out. We won’t let those days return.”
Muslim women voters expressed unified support for AIMIM’s kite symbol, with one group stating: “No one ever thought about us. Owaisi speaks for Muslims. We’ll vote unitedly — for the kite.”
Siwan represents Bihar’s complex intersection of identity politics, historical memory, and contemporary electoral ambitions.
