Quota for pasmanda Muslims emerges priority for BJP

HYDERABAD: Even as the BJP hopes to rope in ‘Pasmanda’ Muslims, the state’s minority leadership is yet to take a call on how to take forward the message and explain Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s outreach programme to marginalised and weaker sections of the community in Telangana.

The BJP, which has vehemently opposed reservation to Muslim weaker sections under the BC (E) category in the state, is now in a wait and watch mood.

“The party is conducting national-level research on the issue. Discussions are underway on how best to take forward the proposal. I am sure that there will be clarity once the draft is prepared,” said Md. Afsar Pasha, state president of the party’s minority morcha.

Pasha pointed out that the BC (E) reservation, which does not have a clear sanction, will take appropriate shape after the Union government works out the modalities.

“Religion-based reservation is constitutionally unviable. Once the Centre makes it clear, all those under OBC category can avail the benefits,” he added.

Incidentally, while the usage of this phrase to refer to marginalised Muslims is prevalent in northern states, particularly Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the community members in Telangana have no inkling about it. Even the nuances that prevail in the northern states with large populations barely apply in Telangana, given the socio-cultural variations in a region known as part of ‘Deccan’.

The AIMIM termed this as a political gamble, which may have some scope in Hindi belt with the prime intent of averting consolidation of Muslim vote. The party leaders termed it as BJP’s tactic to ensure Muslim votes are divided by putting the blame historically on Mughals and the later leadership deemed upper caste Muslims.

“This will not work in southern states, which all have been having reservations for a couple of decades. It won’t be a poll issue, even if BJP tries hard,” felt Syed Aminul Hasan Jafri, the party’s MLC

According to economists the ‘Pasmanda’ originally meant ‘untouchables’. However, during the time of the Mandal Commission, some other groups were included in its report. Amongst Muslims, UP has well-documented discourse on differences which was highlighted by scholars like Khalid Anis Ansari. But when it comes to Telangana there are no major differences, as 90 per cent of the population belongs to the lower strata.

“Already most of these communities are taking the lead. There is a huge presence in the Middle East. Moreover, BC (E) quota is already being implemented for around 15 categories. I don’t think Pasmanda is an issue anywhere except UP and Bihar,” felt Amir Ullah Khan, who was a member of the Commission of Inquiry on socio-economic and educational conditions of Muslims that was set up by the Telangana government.

Who are the Pasmanda Muslims

The word refers to marginalised Muslims and is mainly used in the northern states, particularly Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

According to economists, ‘Pasmanda’ originally meant ‘untouchables’.

Community members in Telangana have no inkling about it.

The nuances that prevail in the northern states with large populations barely apply in Telangana, given the socio-cultural variations in the ‘Deccan’.

Mandal Commission included some Pasmanda groups in its report for reservations

In Telangana, about 15 groups are under the BC(E) category