. NEW DELHI: Shrinking space for Muslim legislators is emerging as one of the sharpest political markers of the the post-2014 era, as BJP’s expanding footprint and the opposition’s changing ticket distribution strategy have together pushed minority representation down in assemblies. Data shows the number of Muslim MLAs in the country has fallen from 339 in 2013 to 282 now.The decline has been steepest in states that matter most electorally. Uttar Pradesh, where Muslims account for nearly 19% of the population, now has 31 Muslim MLAs in the 403-member House, down from 63. West Bengal has seen the number fall from 59 to 37, while the figure for Bihar has dropped from 19 to 11 and for Rajasthan from 11 to 6.While this is not only about BJP, its nationwide rise has changed the incentive structure for elections. In many states, the party has won large mandates with very little Muslim candidature, pushing rivals to balance minority representation with broader caste and community arithmetic. In Bengal and Assam (where BJP contested 90 seats and won 82), BJP did not field any Muslim candidate this time, unlike in 2021 when in Bengal it had fielded nine and in Assam, eight. The Assam BJP dissolved its minority cell soon after all its Muslim candidates lost. Nationally, BJP has only two Muslim MLAs — Achab Uddin from Manipur and Tafajjal Hossain from Tripura.The gap is stark. In Bengal, Muslims constitute about 27% of the population but now account for only 12.6% of MLAs. In Bihar, they are nearly 17% of population but hold about 4.5% seats. In Assam, where Muslims comprise over a third of the population, their assembly share is roughly 17%. Maharashtra and Karnataka have Muslim MLA shares of only 3-4%, despite Muslim population shares of above 10%.Congress has the highest number of Muslim MLAs at 61, followed by National Conference with 39, and Trinamool and Samajwadi Party with 34 each. Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir and Tamil Nadu remain among the better represented spaces.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOperation Sindoor Anniversary: Rajnath Singh Salutes Courage And Synergy of Armed ForcesHamirpur boat accident: Search underway for 6 missing in Yamuna River‘Congress Will Be Wiped Out Everywhere’: DMK Warns Cong Over Support To Vijay’s TVK2 Dead, 200+ FIRs, 433 Arrested, Over 1100 Detained In Post-Poll Violence In West Bengal‘Asked Me To Pay Rs 5 Crore’: Ex-Cricketer Makes Shocking Claim On TMC After Bengal PollsPakistan Navy Helps Stranded Indian Ship In Arabian Sea After Distress Call: ReportTVK Emerges Largest, But Vijay Needs Critical Backing To Form Govt; Will He Succeed?Election Commission Blocks 68 Lakh Cyber Attacks; ECINET Handles Record Traffic on Counting Day‘Directly Promoting ISI Narrative’: BJP Slams Bhagwant Mann’s Remark On Punjab BlastsIndia–Vietnam Upgrade Ties | $25 Billion Trade Push, UPI Link & Big Strategic Signal to China123PhotostoriesWhat attracts snakes to your home and garden6 things kids should know about love, boundaries and respect before growing up4 smart ideas to reuse and turn your old glasses into stylish wall decor in minutes10 adorable baby boy names starting with letter AKL Rahul’s Bangalore home is a crores-worth luxury retreat built on cricket success and strong family rootsContainer gardening UK: 7 best vegetables to grow in pots at home (and how to care for them)From Karan Johar to Dwayne Johnson: How Manish Malhotra quietly took over the Met Gala 2026’s fashion carpetMorning affirmation at 5 am: Start your day with clarity and calmHow to make Oats, Besan, and Chaach Chilla for a light summer breakfastAre you storing fruits all wrong? Why your fridge may be ruining their taste, nutrition, and shelf life123Hot PicksGSEB 10th Result 2026Delhi traffic advisoryDelhi rainPune child rape-murder casePerambur election resultIndia-New Zealand FTASugarcane price hikeTop TrendingChandranath RathWest Bengal ViolenceTN Government FormationWB Government FormationStock Market todayBihar cabinet expansionJalandhar BlastNEET 2026: Exam-day guideGSEB Class 10th result 2026TVK Chief Vijay
NEW DELHI: Shrinking space for Muslim legislators is emerging as one of the sharpest political markers of the the post-2014 era, as BJP’s expanding footprint and the opposition’s changing ticket distribution strategy have together pushed minority representation down in assemblies. Data shows the number of Muslim MLAs in the country has fallen from 339 in 2013 to 282 now.The decline has been steepest in states that matter most electorally. Uttar Pradesh, where Muslims account for nearly 19% of the population, now has 31 Muslim MLAs in the 403-member House, down from 63. West Bengal has seen the number fall from 59 to 37, while the figure for Bihar has dropped from 19 to 11 and for Rajasthan from 11 to 6.While this is not only about BJP, its nationwide rise has changed the incentive structure for elections. In many states, the party has won large mandates with very little Muslim candidature, pushing rivals to balance minority representation with broader caste and community arithmetic. In Bengal and Assam (where BJP contested 90 seats and won 82), BJP did not field any Muslim candidate this time, unlike in 2021 when in Bengal it had fielded nine and in Assam, eight. The Assam BJP dissolved its minority cell soon after all its Muslim candidates lost. Nationally, BJP has only two Muslim MLAs — Achab Uddin from Manipur and Tafajjal Hossain from Tripura.The gap is stark. In Bengal, Muslims constitute about 27% of the population but now account for only 12.6% of MLAs. In Bihar, they are nearly 17% of population but hold about 4.5% seats. In Assam, where Muslims comprise over a third of the population, their assembly share is roughly 17%. Maharashtra and Karnataka have Muslim MLA shares of only 3-4%, despite Muslim population shares of above 10%.Congress has the highest number of Muslim MLAs at 61, followed by National Conference with 39, and Trinamool and Samajwadi Party with 34 each. Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir and Tamil Nadu remain among the better represented spaces.
