Mayawati, the chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), is advocating for reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for Pasmanda Muslims, a Dalit Muslim community. This demand comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s acknowledgement that 80% of Indian Muslims belong to the Pasmanda category.
Pasmanda Muslims are distinct from the Ashraf Muslim community. Pasmanda Muslims often come from disadvantaged social and economic backgrounds and face discrimination from both Hindu and Muslim communities.
Mayawati argues that providing reservation for Pasmanda Muslims is crucial for improving their social and economic status. She emphasizes that it is a matter of justice, as Pasmanda Muslims have experienced discrimination for centuries.
The BJP has yet to respond to Mayawati’s demand, although the party has previously opposed reservation for Pasmanda Muslims. In 2017, the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh rejected a proposal for reservation in government jobs for Pasmanda Muslims.
It remains to be seen if the BJP will alter its stance on reservation for Pasmanda Muslims. However, Mayawati’s demand has reignited the discussion on this issue, and it is expected to be a topic of debate leading up to the 2024 general election.
