There seems to be a widespread consensus that Muslims can never vote for Modi. This is based on the historical electoral behaviour of the Muslim community. It is believed that Muslims have seldom shown any innovation in their voting pattern and are very predictable in their choice.
However, as a contrarian I feel that 2014 elections will be different. Muslims will certainly discover some novelty. I am providing a few reasons why they can and many will vote for Modi in 2014.
It is better to be a dynamic voting group rather than a stale "taken for granted" vote bank. I am providing a few compelling pointers for the Muslims to take note of.
1. We learn to move on for our own sake
You should not hate a politician or a political party forever. We need to move on in the journey of Indian democracy. Let us discuss the cases of Sikhs in Punjab, Brahmins of UP and Bhumihars of Bihar. I have taken thse cases because these communities have continued to grow politically and socially even when the entire political landscape was against them.
It is a common knowledge that the Sikhs have mostly been at the receiving end of the Congress politics culminating with the brutal killing of Sikhs across the country in 1984. However, Punjab still has voted for many Congress governments after 1984. Even Shiela Dikhshit hopes to win key Delhi constituencies with Sikh support.
Brahmins in UP faced a pathetic political situation under the BSP's Dalit politics. Everyone remembers the Tilak Tarazu slogan. They were not only at the butt of BSP's extremist agenda, but also denied a political space by the party any level. Still Brahmins heavily contributed in Mayawati's last win.
Bhumihars were the worst affected caste groups under Lalu's regime. We may recall the "Bhurabaal Saaf Kero" slogan, spearheaded against the community. Rabri Devi (as the CM of Bihar) had even reportedly declined to visit a village after 50 Bhumihars were massacred in caste violence, citing that they never voted for her party. However, Lalu's recent resurgence from Maharajganj Lok sabha election came from their support.
There are many similar examples e.g. Tamil Nadu Brahmins voting for the party founded by Periyar, UP migrants voting for Shiv Sena/BJP in Mumbai et al.
Brahmins in UP faced a pathetic political situation under the BSP's Dalit politics. Everyone remembers the Tilak Tarazu slogan. They were not only at the butt of BSP's extremist agenda, but also denied a political space by the party any level. Still Brahmins heavily contributed in Mayawati's last win.
Bhumihars were the worst affected caste groups under Lalu's regime. We may recall the "Bhurabaal Saaf Kero" slogan, spearheaded against the community. Rabri Devi (as the CM of Bihar) had even reportedly declined to visit a village after 50 Bhumihars were massacred in caste violence, citing that they never voted for her party. However, Lalu's recent resurgence from Maharajganj Lok sabha election came from their support.
There are many similar examples e.g. Tamil Nadu Brahmins voting for the party founded by Periyar, UP migrants voting for Shiv Sena/BJP in Mumbai et al.
To be fair to these communities, it must have been a very difficult decision to vote for their tormentors. However, their ability to show flexibility and innovate their voting pattern has kept these communities active in the power equation. We had a lot of Brahmin ministers under Mayawati and not to miss, ultimately a Sikh PM from the Congress staple.
Therefore, if Muslims vote for Modi, even without assuming him to be innocent in 2002, they will ultimately be doing something in their own interest.
Therefore, if Muslims vote for Modi, even without assuming him to be innocent in 2002, they will ultimately be doing something in their own interest.
2. Politicians deserve another chance, more so if they carry a promise
Every leader, from Nehru to Sanjay Gandhi, has a rough patch in dealing with the situations related to communities and their aspirations. let us take the most pious of all, Nehru. Hordes of Muslims left the secular Nehru before independence, in favour of the Muslim League . He was the PM when thousands of Muslims were killed in Hyderabad. Even his Pandit community holds a grudge for he betrayed them by agreeing for a plebicite in Kashmir. There are similar examples for Patel, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Morajee Desai (recall his anti-Maharashtra stand) and many other great leaders.
We may just imagine the consequences if these leaders would have to bear the burnt of the aggrieved sections forever. Therefore, dragging Modi down for 2002 is not normal.
3. A community may learn to own up
Old saying, we can't clap with a single hand. Every community has to own up a few things. Most Sikhs regret terrorism, most upper caste groups agree and feel a sense of remorse for the discrimination of Dalits. Therefore Muslims may also share some blame for 2002 as it all started after 58 Hindus were burnt alive by the raging mobs in Godhra.
Therefore, accusing only Modi for the 2002 carnage is also not entirely correct. Such introspection helps a community to empathize the otehr side.
4. Political flexibility is not promiscuity
Politics has an evolution cycle, even for the identity based politics. Till the time we remain identity focused and are keen to utilize democracy to assert our identities, we will vote in herds. However, nothing stops us from reforming it a bit and making it more outcome oriented. Modi promises an outcome oriented plan for the muslim community and it is prudent to lap it up.
Politics is like a river, has many courses during its life. If we don't accept a normal change, the river will not survive.
Therefore, trying Modi for five years from 2014 might not be a bad idea.
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