Launched in Mumbai, Farooq Ahmed's book examines the political position of Indian Muslims and questions existing voting patterns
NEW DELHI — A new book examining the political role and future direction of Muslims in India was recently launched at a programme in Mumbai. Titled Political Agenda of Muslims in India, the book is authored by journalist and political activist Farooq Ahmed.
The launch event was attended by several intellectuals, social activists and public figures. Speakers at the programme described the book as an attempt to encourage political awareness and constitutional understanding among Indian Muslims at a time when debates around identity, representation and democracy continue to shape public discourse.
In the book, Ahmed raises questions about the political position of Muslims in India and examines their relationship with parties that describe themselves as secular. He argues that despite supporting such parties over several decades, Muslims continue to face challenges related to political representation, education and economic development.
According to the author, Muslim voters have played a significant role in the electoral success of several political parties in various states. Referring to recent election results in Assam and West Bengal, Ahmed argues that Muslim voters have often contributed significantly to the success of parties that present themselves as secular.
The book also discusses what the author describes as the growing influence of “soft Hindutva” politics among some secular parties. Ahmed claims that concerns over majority vote banks have led certain political parties to avoid taking strong positions on issues affecting Muslims.
Addressing the gathering, Ahmed said that Muslims should move beyond what he calls “fear-based voting” and “unconditional political support”.
He argues that political support should instead be linked to clear commitments, representation and accountability. In the book, he advocates what he describes as “contractual politics”, under which communities support parties based on specific commitments rather than long-standing loyalties.
Ahmed also supports the political vision associated with Advocate Prakash Ambedkar. The book argues that Muslims should work together with Dalits, backward communities and other disadvantaged groups to create a broader social and political platform.
According to the author, such cooperation could strengthen democratic participation and help address common social and economic concerns.
One of the central themes of the book is the importance of viewing public issues through a constitutional framework. Ahmed argues that Muslims should engage more actively with democratic institutions and constitutional values.
Discussing the demolition of the Babri Masjid, the author writes that the event should not be viewed only as a religious issue. He argues that it represented a challenge to constitutional principles, secularism, democracy and faith in institutions.
The book encourages readers to frame debates in terms of constitutional rights and democratic values rather than solely through religious identity, the author says.
Speakers at the launch noted that the work seeks to stimulate discussion on citizenship, representation and democratic participation. They said the book is intended not only for Muslims but also for students, researchers, politicians and citizens interested in the future of India’s democracy.
The Hindi edition of Political Agenda of Muslims in India has been published, while Marathi and Urdu editions are expected to be released in the coming months.
The book presents the author’s views on contemporary politics and aims to contribute to ongoing discussions about representation, constitutional values and the role of minority communities in India’s democratic system.
