Internal Security Concerns Rise in Bihar’s Seemanchal Amid Accusations of Muslim Appeasement

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), under the leadership of Lalu Yadav and his family, has been increasingly engaging in a policy of appeasing Muslim voters in Bihar’s Seemanchal region. Recent reports highlight a dramatic growth in the Muslim population, which is partially attributed to the influx of illegal Bangladeshi migrants. This has resulted in significant demographic changes in districts such as Kishanganj, Araria, Katihar, and Purnia, raising concerns about the socio-political stability of the area and the broader implications for national unity.

Historian Gyanesh Kudasiya previously underscored the drastic decline in the Hindu population in Bangladesh, which fell from 42% at the time of Partition to just 7.95% by 2022. Critics of the current political climate in Seemanchal argue that such appeasement tactics could lead Bihar down a similar path, potentially undermining India’s unity and national integrity.

The Muslim population in Seemanchal now constitutes between 40-70% in several districts, with Kishanganj having the highest concentration. This demographic shift has led to intense competition between the RJD, Congress, and AIMIM to dominate Muslim-majority constituencies, further solidifying their political strategies around appeasing Muslim voters.

Symbolic gestures by the Lalu family, such as Rabri Devi hosting Islamic rituals at her residence, serve to deepen their ties with the Muslim community. However, these actions often come at the cost of alienating other communities, leading to a growing sense of division within the region.

Historical accounts suggest that Bihar’s Muslim population has had a contentious role in the events surrounding Partition and the Bangladesh Liberation War. A recent statement by a Sindh Assembly member has revived these discussions, noting the role of Bihar-origin Muslims in the creation of Pakistan, which continues to fuel controversy.

The RJD and its allies have also opposed crucial reforms such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which aimed to safeguard persecuted minorities. This has led to a curious paradox—while the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh remains largely ignored, political efforts to cater to Muslim voters in Seemanchal have continued unabated.

Further unsettling reports have emerged about disruptions to Hindu religious celebrations in Bihar, including attacks on Saraswati Puja processions, allegedly orchestrated under RJD’s influence. Measures like declaring Fridays as holidays in some Seemanchal schools have only added to concerns about the region’s growing communal rift.

The situation in Bihar inevitably draws comparisons with the state of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, who face ongoing persecution. Critics argue that if appeasement policies in Seemanchal continue unchecked, the region may experience a similar decline in communal harmony, threatening both local stability and India’s overall unity.

Ultimately, the ongoing developments in Bihar serve as a stark reminder of the risks posed by vote-bank politics, which can destabilize the very fabric of national unity. As the state continues down this perilous path, the central question remains: Will the leadership in Bihar prioritize the country’s broader interests, or will they persist with divisive strategies that threaten national cohesion?

Source: https://www.oneindia.com/india/muslim-appeasement-who-is-undermining-national-unity-in-bihar-s-seemanchal-internal-security-at-ri-4023485.html