Muslims in Bihar, India confront stigma of being labeled as ‘Bangladeshi infiltrators’ ahead of upcoming elections.

Kishanganj/Katihar, India – More than a decade ago, Mukhtar Alam was a student at a government school in Kishanganj, the only Muslim-majority district in Bihar, eastern India. During his school years, he enjoyed a strong friendship with a local Hindu classmate, often collaborating on studies and projects. This camaraderie included Alam being mindful of his friend’s vegetarian preferences by avoiding meat during their meals together.

However, the dynamics of their friendship shifted dramatically following a politically charged incident two years ago. Jitanram Manjhi, a former Chief Minister of Bihar and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, characterized members of the Shershahbadi Muslim community as “infiltrators” from Bangladesh. This rhetoric, which frequently targets Bangla-speaking Muslims in India, has intensified concerns among diverse communities.

The Shershahbadi community—a unique diaspora that mixes native Bangla with Hindi and Urdu—historically hails from the region named after Sher Shah Suri, an Afghan king who notably reigned over Bihar and Bengal. Today, the Shershahbadi Muslims number approximately 1.3 million in Bihar and maintain a significant presence in Kishanganj and Katihar.

The rise in aggressive political rhetoric has prompted Alam, now a graduate in business administration, to voice his concerns through social media. Yet, the response he received from a former friend—labelling him and his community as infiltrators—deepened the chasm between them, leading to a significant loss of trust and connection.

As Bihar approaches upcoming state elections, electoral narratives concerning “illegal infiltration” have intensified, especially targeting the Seemanchal area. Prime Minister Modi, during a recent speech commemorating India’s Independence Day, announced the establishment of a “high-powered demography mission” aimed at addressing the perceived threat of infiltrators.

The narrative surrounding supposed Bangladeshi infiltrators aims not only to influence local politics but serves to polarize communities along communal lines. Critics argue that this campaign similarly echoes past movements that have historically marginalized Bangla-speaking Muslims, particularly in states like Assam, with deep-rooted socio-political ramifications.

As political leaders from the BJP continue to assert these claims during election rallies, the socio-economic consequences have been hard-hitting for the Shershahbadi community. Despite fears and anxieties perpetuated by this discourse, many local residents express their commitment to shared community values, emphasizing interfaith harmony over divisions.

The broader implications of this campaign have tangible effects on social cohesion, especially within educational and healthcare institutions, where increasing divisions may lead to communal segregation. Yet, local narratives also present a hopeful counterpoint that calls for unity and mutual support among diverse groups residing in these districts.

As the atmosphere in Kishanganj hangs with unease leading up to the elections, community members like Alam remain determined in their pursuit of understanding and solidarity among all social sectors—Muslims and Hindus alike. They seek to navigate the complexities of an increasingly divided political landscape while maintaining their shared identities and collective aspirations for peace.

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