New Delhi, June 6: Under Narendra Modi’s leadership, Indian Muslims face an increasing sense of marginalization and insecurity, asserts Ziya Us Salam, an associate editor at The Hindu and author of “Being Muslim in Hindu India,” in his opinion article published on CNN on Wednesday. Despite being the country’s largest minority group, Muslims in India find themselves with little to no political representation. For the first time since India gained independence in 1947, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has no Muslim Members of Parliament, leaving the community politically voiceless.
The recent elections, which secured Modi a rare third term, have deepened the sense of gloom among Indian Muslims. The BJP’s return to power, albeit without the supermajority it had hoped for, signals a continuation of policies and rhetoric that many feel target the Muslim community.
Modi’s campaign was marked by divisive language and actions. In Rajasthan, he labeled the state’s 200 million Muslims as “infiltrators,” despite the state’s heavily guarded border with Pakistan and minimal Muslim representation. Both the BJP and the Indian National Congress (INC) failed to field Muslim candidates in Rajasthan, further marginalizing the community.
This pattern of exclusion extended nationwide. The BJP only fielded one Muslim candidate in Kerala, while Congress saw a significant decline in its Muslim candidates, from 115 in 2019 to 78 in 2024. Major cities like New Delhi and Mumbai saw no Muslim candidates from the main opposition.
The Islamophobia within the BJP has also intensified. A promotional video from the party depicted Congress leaders favoring Muslims over lower caste groups, a portrayal widely criticized for its divisive message. Despite Modi’s public denial of discrimination and claims of celebrating Muslim festivals with friends, his actions and those of his party paint a different picture.
Since Modi’s rise to power, there has been a marked increase in anti-Muslim violence and policies. Lynching of Muslim men by right-wing vigilantes and the demolition of Muslim establishments by BJP-led state governments have become distressingly common. Historical mosques and Islamic seminaries are under threat, and the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand threatens the religious freedoms of Muslims nationwide.
Indian Muslims, who once chose a pluralistic India over a theocratic Pakistan at independence, now face an uncertain future. The vision of a secular democratic republic is fading, replaced by a majoritarian state where minorities, particularly Muslims, feel increasingly besieged.
As India moves forward under Modi’s leadership, the plight of its Muslim citizens remains a critical issue. The community stands at a crossroads, facing increased scrutiny and potential violence, with little hope for political representation or protection, according to Ziya Us Salam.
