India’s ruling party with no Muslim legislator in parliament ‘matter of serious concern’
NEW DELHI (AA) – Political analysts and experts have raised concerns about the shrinking representation of Muslims in India’s mainstream politics.
With the resignation in July of former Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, there is no more Muslim representation in the 77-member Union Council of Ministers led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Experts said the fact that the BJP, the “world’s largest” party, has no Muslim representation in government or the Cabinet is worrying.
Political commentator Niranjan Sahoo said it is a matter of “serious concern” given Muslims represent 14% of the population, “yet do not have any representation in the Cabinet, no MPs either in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and in other crucial democratic bodies.” He said it is the “complete invisibility of India’s biggest minority in democratic politics” that needs “urgent attention” because the trend would continue.
He said the lack of Muslims in key political forums and the Cabinet will further erode their voice and agency to protect and promote their rights and interests.
“This may further alienate a community with a more than 200 million population. This has long-term consequences in terms of the country’s social cohesiveness and security,” said Sahoo.
Krishna Swamy Dara, a political scientist and assistant professor in the department of political science at New Delhi-based Jamia Millia Islamia, told Anadolu Agency that what is needed is a true representative for Muslims from all backgrounds from high caste to lower caste Muslims.
Experts said there is also a lack of Muslim representation in other sectors.
Syed Azharuddin, a Muslim leader in southern India, told Anadolu Agency that discrimination against Muslims is not just in elections but also in the judiciary, administrative posts and policymakers, especially in the education and financial sectors.
“The only solution for such selective discrimination is for Muslims to get educationally, economically, and politically empowered and excel in every field facing all the odds,” he said.
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