The Muslim Vote

Politicians and political commentators would believe is that Muslims as a political entity act as one.

 

However that is not true...

 

Scratch the surface and the fissure are for all to see. These fissures started in Bengal long before the Lok Sabha elections. The promises made and benefits bestowed upon the Muslims by the CPI-M and TMC governments have not reach all and/or uniformly. The in-fighting within the community is also coming to the fore.

 

It is said that Muslims feel a deep sense of alienation from the political process. These are not supported by voting numbers. Muslims make up 25% of the state population and districts with lower Muslims population see lower voting as a result of population numbers rather than any other reason. Voter turnout in Muslim dominated areas is as high as voting in other demographics across the state.   

 

It is said that Muslims vote en bloc. It is no more true of Muslims than it is of any other community. It is multi layered with multi players in the field. They are also divided along ideological lines, issue driven and region specific. The issues  that affect one Muslim population and  their voting choice do not influence another Muslim community not effected by the same issues.

 

It is said  that Muslims are easily influenced by leader of the community especially Imams and other religious leaders. If the Lok Sabha elections are anything to go by, then despite Muslims leaders endorsing various political parties, Muslims have voted overwhelmingly for the BJP. Political influence goes only so far!

 

It is said that Muslims tend to be more hard-line in their approach to political choices. As the silent tide of Muslims towards BJP indicate, they are no more open to Islamic extremist than they are to Hindu ones. They are as open to reason, as appreciative of equal rights and opportunities as any other community. Changing voices have a say and more importantly they are being heard across the Muslim community.

 

It is said Muslims hold out their decision on voting till the last minute. There is no data to substantiate that. Stereotypes are at play. It hints at indecisiveness which is never the case. Any Muslims is as opinionated as the next guy and specially in Bengal, an hour hardly passed by without a political debate.

 

It is said Muslims are less supportive of the democratic process than others. Bengal has one of the highest number of Muslims voters and they exercise their rights without hesitation. Bengal has the highest number of Muslims representative in the Assembly or Parliament. Muslims are as conscious and as educated and as engaged about the democratic process as any other demographic.

 

As we are heading towards a series of polls in the state, it is high time pollsters dropped the stereotypes and really addressed the concern of a community as diverse as the Muslims community in Bengal.