CHENNAI: The number of Muslim candidates fielded by the DMK and the AIADMK in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections has steadily declined in recent years compared with earlier electoral cycles.
Although the Muslim community constitutes around six to seven per cent of Tamil Nadu’s population, its representation within the two major Dravidian parties appears to be shrinking over time, particularly AIADMK. Data over the past two decades indicate that both parties have consistently provided opportunities to Muslim candidates in Assembly and Parliamentary elections, with a visible reduction beginning after the 2011 Assembly elections.
In the 2006 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the DMK fielded seven Muslim candidates, while the AIADMK fielded four. All these candidates contested under their respective party symbols, Rising Sun and Two Leaves. Similarly, in the 2011 elections, the DMK again fielded seven candidates, whereas the AIADMK fielded three.
The numbers saw a marginal shift in the 2016 Assembly elections, when both parties fielded five Muslim candidates each. However, a sharper decline was observed in the 2021 Assembly elections, with the DMK fielding only three Muslim candidates and the AIADMK just one.
Political observers note that both the DMK and AIADMK allocate seats to Muslim parties within their alliances during elections, thereby attempting to balance representation for the community.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), an ally of DMK, was allotted three constituencies. However, in the upcoming elections, the DMK has reduced the IUML’s share to two seats. Similarly, the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, led by MH Jawahirullah, was allotted two seats in 2021 and has received the same number this time, despite seeking an increase.
Like in 2021, the DMK announced three Muslim candidates, and the AIADMK limited itself to a single candidate for the upcoming 2026 polls. These figures are significantly lower than those recorded in 2006 and 2011, suggesting a gradual reduction by both parties since 2011.
Notably, the AIADMK has fielded only one Muslim candidate in both the previous and the forthcoming Assembly elections. This reduction has become more pronounced following its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Speaking to DT Next, Tamil Manila Muslim League founder-president Sheikh Dawood said that whichever party comes to power should treat all people equally, regardless of religion, which is more important than the number of seats allocated.
Indian National League leader 'Tada' Raheem said that Muslim representative parties had compromised for their own interests. He alleged that the ruling DMK, which claims to safeguard Muslims in the State, should seek votes based on its work for the community rather than portraying the BJP as a threat.
Representatives from Muslim organisations have alleged that both major Dravidian parties are deliberately reducing seat allocations to Muslim candidates over the years.