The term 'Muslim vote bank,' often used to discuss the dynamics of Muslim politics, appears to have diminished in significance. While Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders still employ 'vote bank politics' to criticize the Congress and other opposition parties for what they perceive as favoritism towards Muslims, this topic receives little attention nowadays. Nonetheless, the assumption that Muslims vote strategically for a particular party or coalition persists.

This normalization of the Muslim vote bank as the definitive truth in Muslim politics stems from increasing political polarization. On one side, certain sections of the media demonize Muslims to assert a Hindutva-driven nationalism. Instead of engaging in meaningful discussions about the evolving political aspirations of Muslims in the Modi era, this faction relies heavily on prevailing political stereotypes associated with Muslims.

Opponents of Hindutva reject this negative portrayal of Muslims and condemn overt communalization. However, their critique of pro-Hindutva media is based on an equally problematic assertion: they suggest that the BJP is an anti-Muslim party, and therefore, Muslims always participate in elections to defeat it. In both cases, there's a perpetuation of a closed, one-dimensional view of Muslim identity and politics.

These rigid concepts about Muslim politics are deeply concerning. While it's undeniable that Muslim identity has become a contentious category in recent years due to increasing incidents of violence against Muslims and portrayals of Islam as antithetical to Indian/Hindu civilization, making sweeping generalizations about the relevance of Muslim politics today is inappropriate. It's crucial to observe and identify the emerging discourses of politics that Muslim leaders employ to engage with the state at various levels.

Understanding Muslim Politics:

To comprehensively understand 'Muslim politics,' it's essential to differentiate between Muslim leaders and the Muslim masses. Preliminary findings from ongoing research on Muslim Leadership in India suggest three types of Muslim leaders: professional Muslim politicians, Muslim elites, and Muslim activists/influencers. Professional Muslim politicians engage in party politics within the organizational structures of political parties, aspiring to secure electoral positions.

Muslim elites assert leadership based on factors such as caste, class, and educational dominance. Muslim activists play a distinct role in mobilizing or influencing the Muslim community on specific issues, with the rise of social media contributing to an increase in online Muslim influencers.

The Languages of Politics:

Professional Muslim politicians adhere to the party line, using their party's stance on Muslim issues to make politically relevant statements. They often present themselves as representatives providing political advice to the community. Muslim elites prioritize community interests as a political resource, often relying on the language of protection to safeguard collective religious interests.

Muslim activists/influencers employ a language of struggle and resistance, which varies based on specific political issues. Despite diverse ideological orientations, they find unity in this language when addressing critical issues, such as the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests.

This categorization of Muslim leaders highlights the complexity of contemporary Indian Muslim politics. It underscores the need to consider the positioning and roles of Muslim leaders to grasp the political language they employ, thereby challenging the notion of a homogeneous Muslim political identity.