Bengaluru, 8 May

The partition of India on 15 August, 1947, not only divided the land but also led to a significant division within the Muslim community. On 16 August, those Muslims who chose to remain in India, driven by their devotion to Mahatma Gandhi, admiration for Maulana Azad and trust in Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership, suddenly found themselves relegated to second-class citizenship and branded as criminals in their own country. They were unfairly blamed for the partition. It's a tragic irony that the very efforts spanning a millennium to conceive the idea of India were dashed in an instant. Despite the sacrifices made from 1857 to 1947, those who migrated to Pakistan leaving their compatriots faced an uncertain future. 

The political landscape was fraught with tension during Independence. When India gained independence, there were 12 states, 9 of which recommended Vallabhbhai Patel as Prime Minister, while 3 suggested Kirpalani. None supported Nehru. Yet, Gandhi intervened and appointed Nehru, citing his popularity and public appeal.

Patel and his supporters felt sidelined by the decision. Patel assumed the role of managing the states while Nehru took the helm as Prime Minister. Patel appointed chief ministers for the states, but his disillusionment with the Muslim community lingered. Meanwhile, Nehru continued to enjoy widespread support among Muslims, as evidenced by Maulana Hufzur Rahman's unwavering faith in Nehru when he boldly declared in Parliament that in times of trouble or calamity, he would remain silent while Nehru would speak on his behalf.

Congress party, however, faced internal challenges. Many members defected to RSS, with Patel emerging as their leader. The ensuing riots, largely orchestrated by RSS according to government commissions, further weakened Congress. 

The progression of events that led to the rise of BJP and the marginalistion of Muslims is a complex tale of political manoeuvring and shifting allegiances. It began with the JP movement, where RSS found a platform to gain recognition. As Muslims rallied behind VP Singh's government in opposition to Congress, BJP capitalised on the opportunity to solidify its position nationally. In the pursuit of weakening Congress, Muslims unwittingly bolstered the BJP's strength. The weakened Congress gave rise to smaller familial parties, while Muslims found themselves pushed to the fringes of political relevance.

The advent of Narendra Modi in 2014 marked a significant turning point. His anti-incumbency stance against Congress, promises of job creation, and vision for a "New India" resonated with disillusioned voters, including the youth. Modi's victory signalled a shift in the political landscape, wherein ruling the country without Muslim representation became conceivable, contrary to the belief held for decades.

Maulana Azad's assertion that Hindus and Muslims are intertwined in the fabric of Indian society was forgotten amid the growing perception of Muslims as a burden. Political parties, including Congress and others, attempted to appease Hindu sentiments by sidelining Muslims and adopting Hindu-centric agendas.

The erosion of Muslim influence was exacerbated by the absence of cohesive leadership after the demise of prominent figures such as Maulana Ali Mian, Qari Tayyab Sahib, Dr Mehmood, Dr Faridi and Sheikh Abdullah. Organisations aimed at safeguarding Muslim interests lost their efficacy over time, leaving Muslims feeling marginalised and voiceless in their own land.

Despite these challenges, the 2024 election presents a ray of hope. Muslims are realising the importance of actively participating in the political process to safeguard constitutional values. By aligning with parties committed to upholding the Constitution, Muslims can reclaim their agency and contribute to the re-liberation of India.

It falls upon Muslim leadership to unite the community and chart a course of active participation rather than passive submission. This election serves as an opportunity for Muslims to assert their presence and ensure that their voices are heard in shaping the nation's future.

The views expressed by the writer are personal