Shadab Peerzada
India, known for its rich cultural diversity, is home to one of the world’s largest Muslim populations, constituting approximately 14% of the total populace. However, recently the ruling party in center including its Prime Minister, top leadership and some Chief Ministers recently during their election campaign has sparked serious debate which have seen a troubling trend of alienation of Muslims. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been in power in India since 2014, and during this time, the party has been accused of alienating the Muslim population in the country, the recent. This strategy may have yielded short-term political gains in past, but it is ultimately harmful to the party and the country as a whole. The BJP’s approach to governance has been characterized by a brand of Hindu nationalism that often excludes or marginalizes minority communities, including Muslims. Although, the trend has not been evident in various policies and actions undertaken by the BJP Government since coming to power. According to the 2011 Census of India, Muslims make up approximately 14.8% of the country’s population, with a total population of around 172 million people. This makes India home to the third-largest Muslim population in the world, after Indonesia and Pakistan. Despite their significant population, Muslims are underrepresented in Indian politics. In the current Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament), Muslims hold only 22 out of 543 seats, which is around 4%. In the state assemblies, Muslims hold around 6% of the total seats. In the 2019 general elections, the BJP won around 37% of the total votes, while the Muslim vote share was around 6-7%. However, it is important to note that Muslims are not a monolithic voting block, and their voting preferences vary depending on the region and other factors.
The BJP, since its ascendancy to power, has pursued a divisive political agenda, often characterized by Hindu nationalist sentiments, as it its critics relates. This approach has been evident in the party’s policies and actions, including the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, all of which have disproportionately impacted Muslims. The CAA, in particular, sparked nationwide protests for its discriminatory nature, offering fast-track citizenship to non-Muslim migrants while excluding Muslims from neighboring countries. The NRC, implemented in Assam, threatened to render millions of Muslims stateless, further fueling fear and insecurity within the community. Moreover, the unilateral decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status without consulting local stakeholders alienated the region’s Muslim-majority population, deepening existing grievances. The chief minister of Assam which belongs to BJP is also known for its statements against Muslims. Additionally, Many BJP leaders have been vocally spoke against the Muslims in the past and recently like the congress manifesto misinformation and have tried to capitalize it for vote bank gain. India’s democracy thrives on its diversity, and any attempt to marginalize or discriminate against minority communities undermines the very foundation of the nation’s ethos. Furthermore, the BJP’s vote share among Muslims remains dismal. While precise figures are not readily available, anecdotal evidence and surveys suggest that the party’s support among Muslims is minimal, with the community largely voting for other political parties. There is no Muslim member of parliament in Lok Sabha from BJP and one nominated Muslim member only in Raj Sabha.
From a strategic standpoint, the BJP’s alienation of Muslims is a flawed and shortsighted approach that could have far-reaching consequences for the party’s electoral prospects. While the BJP has enjoyed significant electoral success in recent years, its reliance on divisive politics risks alienating moderate voters, including those from other religious communities. The Muslim vote share of 6-7% may appear negligible when compared to the massive vote share wielded by the majority Hindu community in India. However, it is crucial to recognize that this minority voting bloc holds significant symbolic and geopolitical implications, extending far beyond mere numerical representation. While the immediate electoral impact of the Muslim vote might seem limited, its marginalization sends a profoundly negative message both domestically and on the global stage. Internationally, India’s reputation as the world’s largest democracy is tarnished when a sizable minority community feels disenfranchised and marginalized.
This sentiment reverberates across the globe, particularly in Western nations, Europe, and the 58 predominantly Muslim countries worldwide. Moreover, the marginalization of Muslims within India’s political landscape has geopolitical ramifications, particularly in the context of India’s relations with Muslim-majority countries. In an increasingly interconnected world, where perceptions matter as much as realities, the alienation of Muslims by the BJP sends a troubling message about the state of democracy and communal harmony in India. It reinforces stereotypes and misconceptions about the treatment of minority communities in the country, undermining efforts to project India as a progressive and inclusive society on the global stage. Therefore, while the Muslim vote share may seem small in numerical terms which the political parties of India can ignore or use to provoke the major vote bank, its significance transcends mere statistics. It serves as a barometer of India’s commitment to democratic principles, social cohesion, and respect for minority rights. By marginalizing Muslims, the BJP not only risks alienating a significant segment of the population but also undermines India’s moral authority and soft power on the world stage.
It is strategically nonsensical for the BJP to polarize the vast majority of the population for the sake of appeasing a small minority and negligible vote bank. The damage caused to India’s reputation worldwide far outweighs any short-term political gains. By resorting to divisive tactics, the BJP risks tarnishing India’s image as a vibrant democracy built on principles of pluralism and inclusivity. Such polarization not only deepens social divisions within the country but also undermines India’s standing on the global stage. Instead of focusing solely on narrow sectarian interests, the BJP would be better served by addressing pressing issues that concern the entire population. Economic development, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities are just a few examples of areas where concerted efforts are needed to improve the lives of all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations. By prioritizing these universal concerns, the BJP can demonstrate its commitment to governance that benefits all segments of society. Moreover, polarization may yield temporary victories at the ballot box, but it is not a sustainable strategy in the long run. Voters, including the majority Hindu community, understand that their fundamental needs and aspirations cannot be fulfilled through divisive politics. In fact, such tactics risk alienating moderate voters who prioritize stability, progress, and social harmony over sectarian agendas. It is imperative for the BJP to pivot towards inclusive governance and prioritize issues that resonate with the broader population. By embracing a more holistic approach to governance, the party can secure enduring support and contribute to the holistic development of India. Ultimately, the true measure of political success lies not in the manipulation of communal sentiments but in the ability to uplift and empower all citizens, regardless of their background or beliefs. It should be also noted that Muslims do are potential vote bank for BJP if catered properly and the international reputation of India should be among the priorities of political parties. Muslims of India are Indian citizen by conviction rather than compulsion as they do had the option to choose Pakistan or migrate out.
Shadab Peerzada is a politician, strategic-Analyst and technologist
