India is the largest democracy, but ironically, the Modi-led BJP government has no Muslim representation in the Indian parliament. This situation is set to continue in the next parliament, as the BJP has fielded only one Muslim candidate, who is likely to lose. Despite being a significant minority, comprising 14.2% of the population according to the 2011 census, Muslims remain underrepresented at the highest levels of government.
In the 2019 elections, the BJP fielded six Muslim candidates, none of whom were elected. This time, M Abdul Salam is the lone Muslim candidate contesting from the Malappuram constituency, which has a 70% Muslim voter base. However, his chances of winning are slim, further highlighting the BJP’s lack of commitment to ensuring diverse representation.
The absence of Muslim MPs in the world’s largest democracy raises questions about the inclusivity and representative nature of India’s political system under the current administration. It underscores the disparity between the party’s claims of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with all, development for all) and the reality of political representation for minority communities in India.
Modi’s BJP, which claims to be the “biggest political party in the world,” holds 301 seats in the lower house of parliament, elected directly by the people. Despite this dominance, the BJP does not have a single member of the legislative assembly (MLA) in 18 of India’s 28 states that the party currently governs, either directly or through its coalition partners. There are no Muslim ministers in the incumbent Modi government; however, the Sikh and Christian communities have representation.
Hardeep Singh Puri, a Sikh, is the incumbent Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs. Another minister from a minority community is John Barla from West Bengal, who serves as the Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs.
Out of the 30 chief ministers in India, only six belong to minority communities. Among them, four are Christians, one is Sikh, and one is Buddhist. Despite being the largest minority group, comprising 14.2% of the country’s population according to the 2011 census, no Muslims currently serve as Chief Ministers.
In the 2019 elections, when Modi returned to power with a larger majority, the BJP fielded six Muslim candidates, none of whom won. This time, M Abdul Salam is the only Muslim candidate the BJP has fielded, contesting from the Malappuram constituency, which has 70% Muslim voters. He is likely to lose, leaving the BJP without any Muslim representation in the next Parliament.
These facts highlight a significant disparity between the BJP’s rhetoric of inclusivity and the actual representation of minority communities in the government.
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