Amid mounting tension between TMC and BJP, Muslim communities in West Bengal fear political manoeuvring could undermine their constitutional rights
KOLKATA – A fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal over the proposed removal of 35 Muslim castes from the state’s Other Backward Classes (OBC) list, intensifying the ongoing electoral battle between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) recommended in January this year that these communities, most of which were included in the OBC list before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, should no longer be classified as backward. The Ministry of Social Justice informed Parliament that any change to the list requires approval under the 102nd Amendment of the Constitution.
This announcement has sparked alarm among the affected Muslim communities, who view the proposal as a direct threat to their social and educational benefits.
“We have been recognised as backward for decades, and this move will jeopardise our access to jobs and education,” said Aslam Khan, a community leader from Murshidabad. “It feels like our voices are being ignored for political reasons.”
Political Backlash Intensifies
Just months before the West Bengal assembly elections, the BJP has raised the matter in the Lok Sabha, demanding central intervention. Party leaders have accused the TMC of using these communities for electoral appeasement.
“This is our long-standing demand,” said BJP MP Ravi Sharma. “The TMC government added these communities to the OBC list purely for political gain. The central government must ensure justice based on actual backwardness, not electoral calculations.”
The TMC, however, has countered these claims, asserting that the NCBC overstepped its mandate and that the BJP is politicising the issue.
“This is a deliberate attempt to create fear and confusion among our Muslim citizens,” said TMC spokesperson Shahana Rahman. “The commission has no authority to tamper with communities recognised under the OBC list, and such claims are politically motivated ahead of the elections.”
Muslims Express Anxiety
The controversy has stirred anxiety among the 35 Muslim castes, many of whom rely on OBC status for educational reservations, government jobs, and social welfare benefits.
“Removing us from the list would erase years of struggle and progress,” said Farzana Begum, a schoolteacher from Nadia district. “We are law-abiding citizens, and our rights should not be a political bargaining chip.”
Analysts note that the issue has become a key electoral weapon, with both parties seeking to consolidate support ahead of the crucial vote.
“The timing is clearly political,” said analyst Arif Hossain. “The BJP aims to portray the TMC as indulging in appeasement politics, while the TMC is defending its actions to protect minority rights. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens are caught in the crossfire.”
A Broader Debate
The NCBC’s recommendation has also sparked a wider debate about defining backwardness in a diverse state like West Bengal, where minority communities have historically faced socio-economic disadvantages.
“Backwardness is not just a label; it is a reflection of the opportunities denied to communities over generations,” said Dr Imran Siddiqui, a sociologist at Jadavpur University. “Stripping these Muslim castes of their OBC status will have a real impact on education, employment, and social mobility.”
As the elections draw near, the OBC list controversy is likely to remain a polarising issue, influencing political narratives and voter sentiment across the state. Both parties continue to mobilise support, but the affected communities remain focused on securing their rights.
The debate over the OBC status of 35 Muslim castes in West Bengal underscores the delicate balance between constitutional rights and political strategy. As parties clash over this sensitive issue, the voices of ordinary citizens, who rely on these protections for their livelihoods, remain central to the conversation.
“We only want our rights to be respected,” said Aslam Khan. “Politics should not come at the cost of our communities’ future.”
