Patna: As Bihar heads into a crucial election season, civil society groups are stepping up efforts to reclaim democratic values and constitutional rights. Leading this charge is the Bihar Democratic Forum (BDF), a civic initiative that has emerged in response to growing concerns over the erosion of democratic norms and increasing political disenfranchisement.
According to maktoobmedia The BDF is mobilising farmers, workers, students, women, migrants, and activists across the state, aiming to build a people-driven movement rooted in awareness, participation, and accountability. Rejecting party-centric politics, the Forum positions itself as a civic counterforce focused on justice, inclusion, and secular governance.
“Upcoming state election is not only crucial for Bihar but pivotal for the entire nation; the outcome will shape the future of Indian democracy and define the direction of our polity,” said Dr. Abbas Musthafa, convenor of the BDF. “We must reconnect with people, earn their trust, and guide them with wisdom.”
The Forum has already launched voter education campaigns, documentation workshops, and community dialogues to empower citizens to claim their constitutional entitlements. It is also forming local committees to track migration and unemployment, preparing a citizens’ manifesto, and collaborating with academics to monitor welfare schemes.
Dr. Musthafa criticised the indifference of the educated class, calling them “mute spectators” and warning that their disengagement allows “unqualified and self-serving individuals” to dominate public discourse. “Politics is not limited to casting a vote — it’s about influencing policies,” he said, urging voters to distinguish between emotional appeals and real issues.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Bihar state president Rizwan Ahmed Islahi echoed the urgency of civic engagement, stating that the upcoming Assembly elections hold national significance. “The importance of the Bihar elections is much greater; its impact extends across the whole nation. Understand that the government formed now will mark a decisive turning point,” he said. “The question is which direction Bihar will take. The people, the voters of Bihar, have a major role in determining that direction, and because of this, these elections are of great importance.”
Islahi urged voters to reject parties that “spread hatred” and prioritise personal gain over public welfare. He highlighted the dire state of education, unemployment, and healthcare in Bihar, saying these are the real issues that deserve attention. “The party that gives attention to these issues will get the people’s votes, not those who ignore them,” he said.
On Muslim representation, Islahi expressed disappointment over the lack of proportional candidate nominations across major alliances. “Very few Muslims have been given tickets. When Muslims are not given representation according to their numbers, how can anyone claim to be speaking for their rights? Who will raise their voice? Very few Muslims have been given a chance, this is deeply disappointing” he asked.
The BDF has united socio-religious groups representing Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and Buddhists, along with NGOs such as Bharat Jodo Abhiyan, Loktantrik Jan Pahal, Bihar Vikas Samiti, Nari Gunjan, Kosi Navnirman Manch, and NAPM. This broad coalition aims to bridge divisions along caste, religion, and class lines, asserting that communal harmony is essential for progress.
The Forum’s knowledge-based activism and refusal to seek political power make it a distinctive force in Bihar’s civic landscape. By rallying citizens around issues like inflation, education, and women’s safety, it hopes to pressure political actors into delivering better governance.
“Democracy gives us the power of participation,” said Dr. Musthafa. “We must exercise that power responsibly by choosing the lesser harm.”
For many in Bihar, the Forum’s efforts represent not just a political intervention but a moral one, a grassroots movement to reclaim democracy from the ground up.