RJD principal general secretary Abdul Bari Siddiqui, a close associate of party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, is the most prominent Muslim face of the Opposition-led INDIA bloc in Bihar. A veteran of the JP movement, he won the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections for the first time in 1977. Since then, he has served seven terms as a member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, and twice been a member of the Bihar Legislative Council.
He has held key positions in the Bihar government, including as the parliamentary affairs and finance ministers, and as the Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly. In an exclusive interview with Imran Mojib of The Statesman, Siddiqui discusses the current sociopolitical scenario in Bihar and the possible impact of the upcoming assembly elections.
Q: How do you assess the political landscape as Bihar prepares for the crucial assembly elections?
A: I have spent about five decades in politics, but I have never witnessed an atmosphere like the one we are currently experiencing in the country. The ruling parties, especially the biggest political party in India, have created a divisive environment that is detrimental to the society and the country at large. ‘Unity in diversity’ was the hallmark of this country. We used to sing “Mazhab nahi sikhata aapas mein bair rakhna…” (Religion does not teach us to bear hatred against each other). But the BJP is dismantling this legacy. They have been returning to power by polarizing voters on religious lines. While the party may be gaining politically, the country is losing its foundational values. What is more concerning is their disregard for the Constitution of India despite taking a pledge to uphold its sanctity. The four pillars – Sovereign, Democratic, Secular and Socialist – are the defining characteristics of the Indian Republic as described in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. But the BJP does not honour secularism that promises equal rights to followers of every faith.
Q: Do you think that the upcoming elections will change this situation?
A: People must realize that this division is not going to help them. They must realize the value of unity in diversity. Ultimately the country and countrymen have to return to the basic values. I can only say sooner is better. It is not possible to achieve overnight, we must continue our efforts to achieve it.
Q: Will it become a major issue in this election?
A: Yes. The NDA government has laid the groundwork for polarization by enacting the Waqf Act. It has deeply hurt Muslims across India. The BJP and those who ally with it are equally responsible for this. It is against the guarantee provided by the Constitution of India. With about 18 per cent of the population, Muslims in Bihar constitute an important segment of the electorate. They are decisive in a large number of constituencies. Muslims going against the ruling alliance will help the BJP push its Hindutva agenda even more aggressively.
Q: What other major issues will influence the polls?
A: Caste census, unemployment, rising crime and rampant corruption are other major issues that the NDA candidates will have to face when they go to the electorate. During the 17- month tenure of the Mahagathbandhan government, we had made an attempt to resolve these issues. We were on the track – conducted a caste survey and formulated policies based on the collected data. We also made significant achievements in employment generation. We focused on women and youth empowerment, the upliftment of the poor, and overall development of Bihar. But the NDA government failed to carry those efforts forward. The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists has posed significant challenges to the residents of Bihar. People are afraid it could lead to mass disenfranchisement. If that happens, it will overshadow all other issues.
Q: How do you see the RJD making an impact?
A: In the 2020 assembly elections, we failed to secure a majority, but we emerged as the biggest party. We are still the biggest party. Now, we have formed a coalition with other political establishments that share similar views. We are confident to form the government this time.
Q: What gives you that confidence?
A: The coming together of parties that believe in secularism and social justice and our commitment to uplift the downtrodden section of the society. Our united effort will defeat the BJP, which has grabbed power again and again only because the opposition was not united. We have learnt from the past mistakes and are ready to remove them from power this time.
Q: But there are reports about the Congress being upset.
A: The Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) are the oldest allies. Before every major election, the NDA leaders start such talks. It is nothing but their wishful thinking. We share a relationship that is much deeper than the opposition’s expectations. It is time they realize that our ties go beyond electoral arithmetic.
Q: Do you think Jan Suraaj will play spoilsport for the INDIA Alliance?
A: The by-elections held in Bihar for four seats in November 2024 showed the Jan Suraaj its actual position. The party failed to win any of the four seats it had contested. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured victory in all the four Bihar assembly constituencies. Now people know that voting for Jan Suraaj will ultimately help the BJP.
Q: Do you see the AIMIM joining the INDIA Alliance?
A: We welcome like-minded parties for the state’s development. But the kind of politics the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) practices does not align with our political and policy values.
Q: Will AIMIM’s presence affect the INDIA alliance’s prospects?
A: I do not think so. Muslims in Bihar are politically aware. They vote carefully. They are very careful about their rights, cultural identity and religious freedom. They always support parties that would help them protect the same. They are aware of the RJD’s decades-long struggle under Lalu Yadav’s leadership to protect the rights of Muslims and other marginalized communities. We will continue to do so.