ABSTRACT

This paper is divided into three sections. In the first, I provide a brief historical overview of Hindu-Muslim relations in India and of the condition of Indian Muslims today. I conclude by claiming that Indian Muslims are a marginalized minority who have been persistently under-represented in political institutions, particularly the legislature. This section is important for those who are less informed about these issues – and I assume that most of the participants fall in this category. In the second section, I examine the case for political representation for Muslims. This was a much debated issue in pre-independent India.

It was debated with subtlety and in considerable detail in the constituent assembly debates on the Indian constitution. However, with the partition of the country and the formation of the separate state of Pakistan, all debate on the political representation of Muslims ceased. I will examine the merits and demerits of the case for the political representation of Indian Muslims.

I will also attempt a brief explanation of why this issue has virtually disappeared from the public arena in India. I conclude in the section that although political representation of Muslims qua Muslims is desirable, it is still unfeasible in the prevailing situation in India. In other words, if the Indian state were to consult me and seek my advice on this matter, my recommendation would be to not grant a political right to a community identified along religious lines.