The juggernaut of election to the 15th Lok Sabha is rolling with high speed and its first phase is already over. Leaders of different political parties are busy in making all sorts of promises, and more than that, in criticising and maligning their opponents. The Indian electorate, wiser after long experience, is somewhat bewildered yet trying its best to use its franchise granted by the Constitution. But the way the wind blows does not give a clear indication of the shape the things may take in the national politics.
Muslims, on the strength of their population, deserve 72 Lok Sabha seats. But up to now they could get 32 to 45 seats only, thus suffering a deprivation of around 50 per cent. This has resulted in overall weakening of their social, economic, and political position in the country. And mind it that no political party, no social scientist, no well-wisher of the country, and no lover of democracy ever felt concerned about it.
Muslims in Assam are about one third of the state population. They are straining every nerve to make their presence felt under the guidance of AUDF, which is expected to get two Lok Sabha seats. Uttar Pradesh sends 80 members to Lok Sabha. A number of Muslim parties and combinations have sprung up there. But they may not succeed in sending even a single member to Lok Sabha. The same old regional parties BSP and SP, which are basically caste-based, may send three or four Muslim members to Lok Sabha. The weakness of these parties is that they treat Muslims as mere pawns, who are to play second fiddle to their tunes.
The ordinary Muslim voter realises the lack of winnability of the candidates of Muslim formations, yet he feels satisfied when he supports them, that he is asserting Muslim identity and rights.
But, the experience which these small Muslim political formations and their leaders are gaining may help them in understanding the ground realities of politics and their own limitations, which may enable them to evolve a strategy for future political battles.
Thus UP may pave the way for the emergence of a united Muslim party which may address the problems of the state Muslims.
After the elections the Muslims of India must start thinking how they can get their rightful place in the country and their due share in the developmental fruits of the country and also how they can play the meaningful and constructive role in state legislatures and the parliament. These goals cannot be achieved unless Muslims unite: unity is the first prerequisite of achievement. This unity, let it be clear, is not against Hindus or any other community, nor for harming anyone. It is purely for protecting themselves from harm and for safeguarding the interest of all Indians irrespective of caste or creed.
More than that it is for promoting overall justice and fair play, uplifting the downtrodden and for strengthening the rule of law. Muslims who are 14 per cent of population can certainly play a very meaningful role in India if they unite for developing a just polity and society. For this Muslims must rise above narrow consideration, come out of their shell and start asking themselves what can they do for their country and the countrymen. This also requires joining hands with those who understand the meaning and demands of a democratic set-up, value human rights and can fight for people’s rights without any selfish or ulterior motives.
Sooner or later the Muslim community in India should realise its potential and come up unitedly to safeguard its own interests and the rights of all Indians.