The ongoing Lok Sabha election has become a focal point for renewed scrutiny regarding Muslim representation in Indian politics. Despite being celebrated as the world’s largest democratic festival, the issue of Muslim political participation has become increasingly contentious.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has adopted campaign tactics that lean towards communal provocations, contributing to the polarization of voters. Meanwhile, opposition parties, notably the Congress, have been hesitant to actively engage with Muslim political aspirations. This reluctance to recognize Muslims as legitimate political stakeholders aggravates an already intricate situation.
India boasts the world’s third-largest Muslim population, yet their representation in politics has consistently lagged behind. Since 1952, Muslims have held less than 6% of Lok Sabha seats and slightly over 10.5% in the Rajya Sabha.
Examining recent elections provides context to the current scenario. The 2014 polls occurred amidst heightened communal tensions following the Muzaffarnagar riots, which the BJP capitalized on to polarize voters. Similarly, in 2019, events such as the Pulwama attack and Balakot airstrike fueled nationalist fervor and communal divisions, ultimately benefiting the BJP.
In the present election cycle, despite the absence of recent communal incidents, the BJP has invoked religious sentiments and misrepresented the Congress’s manifesto. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s accusations against the Congress of favoring Muslims have intensified tensions further.
The controversy surrounding Muslim representation reignited following the resignation of Maharashtra Congress’ working president, Arif Naseem Khan, from the star campaigners’ panel. Khan’s protest against the lack of Muslim candidates nominated by the MVA coalition underscores a broader trend of historically low Muslim representation in Congress’ Lok Sabha candidates.
While Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge assured Khan of compensation through Rajya Sabha nominations, discontent persists. The limited number of Muslim candidates fielded by Congress in the current Lok Sabha polls, particularly in Maharashtra, has raised concerns among Muslim leaders.
The fragmentation of Muslim votes among secular candidates has historically favored the BJP, enabling victories even in constituencies with substantial Muslim populations. Addressing this disparity requires concerted efforts from secular parties to field Muslim candidates proportionate to population ratios and for Muslim communities to unite behind such candidates. Such actions have the potential to reshape electoral outcomes and ensure more inclusive representation in Indian politics.
