Amid raging controversy over political representation of the Muslim community in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched a sharp attack on the RJD and Congress. He claimed on Sunday that the governments that ruled Bihar before 2005 used members of the Muslim community as a mere vote bank.
In a post on the social media platform X, Nitish Kumar wrote, “Now, during the Bihar Assembly elections, some people have once again started projecting themselves as the well-wishers of the Muslim community. It’s nothing but deception. To gain Muslim votes, they are using various kinds of temptations and tricks, while making no real effort to give the community any meaningful participation in governance.”
“In our government, people from the Muslim community are getting their full rights. Without any discrimination, they are being given proper representation in every sector, whereas earlier governments only used them for votes and gave them no share in power,” he added.
In an appeal to the community, he said, “I sincerely urge all of you not to fall for any illusion. Please remember what our government has done for you and decide whom to vote for on that basis.”
Recounting his government’s efforts for the welfare of the Muslim community, the chief minister said that the budget for the Minority Welfare Department has been increased by 306 times, with a provision of Rs 1,080.47 crore for the year 2025–26. To prevent communal incidents in the state, the fencing of sensitive graveyards began in 2006. So far, more than 8,000 graveyards have been fenced.
He added that madrasas were registered and given government recognition starting in 2006, and madrasa teachers are now paid salaries equal to government school teachers. Since 2007, financial assistance of Rs 10,000 has been provided to abandoned or divorced Muslim women for self-employment — an amount now increased to Rs25,000.
He further said that his government has also launched schemes such as Taleemi Markaz and Hunar for the educational and skill development of the Muslim community. Scholarships, free coaching, hostels, and grants are being provided to Muslim students and youth. They are also being supported under the Entrepreneurship Scheme to start their own businesses.