New Delhi: The release of Missing from the House: Muslim Women in Lok Sabha by Rasheed Kidwai and Ambar Kumar Ghosh at the India Islamic Cultural Centre sparked a sharp debate on the marginalization of Muslim women in politics. The book highlights that only 18 Muslim women have entered the Lok Sabha since independence.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said systemic hurdles prevent women from winning elections. He stressed that the Women’s Reservation Bill is needed, though women should eventually be chosen on merit. Recalling his grandmother’s political entry in 1953, Abdullah said even women from political families face unique challenges. He also noted the broader sidelining of Muslims in politics today.
Former Union Minister Salman Khurshid described Muslim women MPs as remarkable, though few. He argued that symbolism is no substitute for structural reforms. Practices like “Pradhanpati,” where men wield authority on behalf of elected women, show how deep patriarchy remains. He also criticized the triple talaq law as tokenistic. TMC MP Sagarika Ghose called the book an eye-opener, noting that five Lok Sabhas had no Muslim woman at all. She highlighted the declining share of women MPs and accused the ruling BJP of institutional discrimination.
Kairana MP Iqra Hasan shared her experience of navigating patriarchy in politics. She said Muslim women are treated as “a minority within a minority.” She stressed the need for organic leadership within parties.
The authors noted that Muslim women MPs have maintained clean public records, yet remain underrepresented. They called for reviving democratic spaces to enable future leaders.
