Badri Narayan Tiwari | The Muslim factor in Uttar Pradesh

Badri Narayan Tiwari | The Muslim factor in Uttar Pradesh
The role of the Muslim electorate is critical in the politics of Uttar Pradesh
Badri Narayan Tiwari

It is an established fact that in the politics of Uttar Pradesh, the role of the Muslim electorate is critical.
Earlier, when Muslims felt insecure in the face of aggressive Hindutva, a fear psychosis underscored their voting pattern. However, today, having understood the power of the ballot, the voting pattern is linked with the notion of supporting the party which promises not just sympathy but also maximum representation in the government. This notion is closely linked with the growing assertion of a strong Muslim identity and thus the voters belonging to the community have become more strategic and assertive.
After the formation of the Samajwadi Party (SP) government in Uttar Pradesh last year, the representation of Muslims in powerful positions has visibly increased. The party has always been sympathetic towards the community, which makes up a sizeable portion of its vote bank.
Muslim MLAs and ministers are also increasingly taking to flaunting the special status accorded to them by the SP. After the assembly elections in the state, people were amazed to see fringe groups make aggressive displays of power through horse-mounted processions and the public wielding of guns.
Consequently, this growing assertion is crowding out moderate Muslim politics in Uttar Pradesh. Small parties such as Tauqeer Raza Khan’s Ittehad-e-Millat council and Mohammad Ayub’s Peace Party are stepping into the vacuum. Both these parties are demanding a larger share for Muslims in the politics of power in Uttar Pradesh.

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