Patna, July 1: The denial of affirmative action to caste groups among Muslims and Christians, who are often worse off than Hindu Dalits, constitutes religious discrimination and is unconstitutional, asserted Faizan Mustafa, the vice chancellor of Chanakya Law University. Mustafa made these comments on Sunday during a symposium organized by the All India Muslim Mahaz, commemorating the death anniversary of freedom fighter Abdul Qayyum Ansari.
“It is true that the Constitution does not allow reservations based on religion. However, castes exist among Muslims and Christians as well, and some are worse off than Hindu Dalits,” Mustafa stated. “Denying these castes the same facilities extended to Dalits from another faith is, in effect, religious discrimination and against the Constitution.”
His remarks come amid a heated debate over extending quotas to minorities, particularly Muslims, in states like Bihar, Telangana, and Karnataka. The issue has been fueled by the ruling BJP’s campaign during the recent Lok Sabha elections.
The event also saw the release of a booklet titled “Bihar Jaati Ganana 2022-2023 Aur Pasmanda Agenda,” highlighting the conditions of lower-caste Muslims based on a caste survey by the Nitish Kumar government. Former Rajya Sabha MP Ali Anwar, leader of the Mahaz, criticized all political parties for their indifference towards Pasmanda Muslims and warned of potential backlash in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.
Former minister and RJD MLA Mohd Israil Mansuri expressed disappointment over the Patna High Court’s decision to strike down increased reservations for deprived castes. The survey revealed that Dalits, tribals, and backward classes make up more than 80% of Bihar’s population. Mansuri urged the state government to appeal to the Supreme Court for the restoration of the amended reservation laws, which aimed to raise quotas for deprived castes from 50% to 65%.
