A political controversy has erupted in Bihar after Janata Dal-United (JD-U) MLA Gopal Kumar Agarwal from Thakurganj allegedly referred to members of the Shershahbadi Muslim community as “Bangladeshis” in an official letter to Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. The letter also sought the removal of certain teachers from Booth Level Officer (BLO) duties in Kishanganj district.
In his communication, the MLA alleged that some individuals from the Shershahbadi community were involved in adding “illegal Bangladeshi” names to voter lists. The remarks triggered strong objections from the community and opposition leaders.
Shershahbadi Community Protests, Calls Remarks “Hateful”
Following the letter, tension rose in the region, with members of the Shershahbadi community submitting a memorandum to the district administration under the banner of the All Bihar Shershahbadi Association. Senior Congress leaders, including National Secretary Tauquir Alam and MLA Qamrul Hoda, also joined the protest.
Tauquir Alam strongly criticised the JD(U) MLA, saying, “From day one he is trying to break the unity and integrity of this place and harmony between communities. How dare he call a community, who abides by the Constitution, as Bangladeshis.”
He further alleged that the community is being targeted unfairly. “The Shershahbadi Muslims are being targeted because they speak Bengali language,” Alam said, adding that the issue would be challenged legally.
Congress Leaders Reject Allegations, Cite Election Roll Verification
Congress MLA Md. Qamrul Hoda also rejected the claims made in the MLA’s letter and said that official verification under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 2025 had already confirmed that no illegal Bangladeshi immigrants reside in Kishanganj.
“That means you are challenging the SIR,” Hoda said, accusing the MLA of attempting to spread misinformation and create division between Shershahbadi and Surjapuri communities.
He also alleged that Agarwal had previously claimed that the community occupied around 1,600 acres of land and suggested redistribution among Surjapuri and Dalit groups. “I am waiting for that day,” Hoda said, dismissing the claim.
Hoda further warned that such remarks were disturbing social harmony in the region. “Nobody will be able to destroy the peace and harmony of this place,” he added.
Opposition Demands Action and Inquiry
Bihar AIMIM state president Akhtarul Iman also condemned the statement and questioned its validity in light of the SIR process. He said, “He (Gopal Kumar Agarwal) should take his statement back,” and demanded the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate what he called false and inflammatory allegations.
Iman stressed that such comments could damage communal harmony and should be addressed seriously by authorities.
