While the BJP has fielded one Muslim candidate in the ongoing general elections, and its ally JD(U) one more in Bihar, among the key Opposition parties too, the representation to the community has fallen. The Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, RJD, NCP and CPI(M) have fielded 78 Muslim candidates this time, down from 115 in 2019.
In 2019, as many as 26 Muslim candidates were elected as MPs; of them four from the Congress and TMC each, three from the BSP and SP each, and one each of the NCP and CPI(M). Others belonged to the AIUDF of Assam, Lok Janshakti Paswan (now split into two factions), IUML and the J&K National Conference.
This story was originally published in indianexpress.com. Read the full story here.
