Maharashtra Elections 2024: Low Representation of Muslims and Minority Women in Candidate Pool:  In the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, just 10% of the total candidates are from minority communities, with Muslims making up a significant portion. Out of the 4,136 candidates running, 420 are Muslim. However, an analysis of the election data reveals that the representation of Muslims in the candidate pool is limited, with only 157 of the state's 288 constituencies having at least one Muslim contender.

The majority of these Muslim candidates are Independent candidates, with 218 of them running without party affiliation. Congress has fielded 9 Muslim candidates, while the BJP has not included any Muslim candidates in its list. On the other hand, the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, has nominated 5 Muslim candidates, while Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM party has given tickets to 16 Muslim candidates. Smaller regional parties have fielded 150 Muslim candidates.

The election analysis highlights that Muslim candidates are predominantly running in constituencies with a significant Muslim population. For example, Aurangabad East stands out with 17 Muslim candidates out of a total of 29. Other constituencies with high numbers of Muslim candidates include Aurangabad Central, Bhiwandi West, Malegaon Central, and Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar.

In terms of gender representation, Muslim women candidates are notably underrepresented, with only 22 women in the entire candidate pool, making up around 0.5% of the total candidates. In fact, 270 constituencies across Maharashtra do not have a single Muslim woman candidate.

Maharashtra will hold elections on November 20, 2024, with results set to be declared on November 23. The current Assembly's term ends on November 26.

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