Muslim Appeasement: Who Is Undermining National Unity In Bihar’s Seemanchal? Internal Security At Risk!

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), led by Lalu Yadav and his family, has intensified its politics of Muslim appeasement in Bihar's Seemanchal region. Reports reveal a sharp rise in the Muslim population, partly attributed to illegal Bangladeshi infiltration, leading to significant demographic shifts in districts like Kishanganj, Araria, Katihar and Purnia. This development threatens the region's socio-political stability and raises concerns about national unity.

Historian Gyanesh Kudasiya once highlighted how Hindu population percentages in Bangladesh declined drastically-from 42% at the time of Partition to merely 7.95% by 2022. The ongoing appeasement in Seemanchal, critics argue, could lead Bihar toward a similar trajectory, endangering India's unity.

In Seemanchal, Muslims now make up 40-70% of the population in several districts, with Kishanganj recording the highest proportion. This shift has prompted RJD, Congress and AIMIM to vie for dominance in the region, banking heavily on Muslim-majority constituencies.

The Lalu family's symbolic gestures-like hosting Islamic rituals by Rabri Devi at her residence-further cement their alignment with Muslim communities. However, these efforts often come at the expense of other communities, fostering divisiveness.

Historical references indicate that Bihar's Muslim population played controversial roles during the Partition and Bangladesh Liberation War. The recent remarks by a Sindh Assembly member reaffirmed these claims, highlighting contributions by Bihar-origin Muslims to Pakistan's creation.

The appeasement policies of RJD and its allies extend to opposing reforms like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which aimed to protect persecuted minorities. Ironically, while the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh is ignored, efforts to cater to Muslim votes continue unabated.

Reports of disruptions to Hindu religious events in Bihar under RJD's influence, such as attacks on Saraswati Puja processions, further fuel apprehensions about the party's bias. Additionally, measures like declaring Fridays as holidays in some Seemanchal schools deepen concerns over the region's growing communal imbalance.

Comparisons to Bangladesh, where Hindu minorities face severe persecution, are inevitable. Critics warn that unchecked appeasement in Seemanchal could lead to a similar situation, threatening the region's social fabric and India's sovereignty.

The situation in Bihar is a stark reminder of the dangers of vote-bank politics and its potential to destabilise national unity. As appeasement policies take precedence, the question remains-will Bihar's leadership prioritise national interest or continue down a path fraught with peril?