Despite Karnataka having a significant Muslim population of at least 12%, the state has seen minimal representation of Muslim MPs in the Lok Sabha over the past two decades. Only one Muslim MP, Iqbal Ahmed Saradgi from Gulbarga in 2004, has been elected during this period, highlighting a trend of underrepresentation.
Major political parties like Congress, BJP, and JD(S) have not fielded many Muslim candidates in the past four elections, collectively accounting for less than 10% of the total candidates they nominated. Delving into individual elections, it is evident that there has been a consistent lack of Muslim candidates, with 2004 being an exception with four candidates, and 2019 seeing only one candidate, from the Congress party.
Political scientist Muzaffar Assadi attributes this trend to several factors, including the absence of decisive Muslim vote banks in Parliamentary constituencies, parties’ failure to groom Muslim leaders beyond community lines, and voter polarization. Additionally, delimitation of constituencies in 2008 has also impacted the electability of Muslim candidates, according to community leaders.
Despite historical instances of Muslim MPs being elected in Karnataka, such as BM Mujahid and CK Jaffer Sharief in 1989, and Sharief’s repeated victories in subsequent elections, Muslim representation in Parliament from the state has been limited.
In the current electoral scenario, Congress’ Bangalore Central candidate, Mansoor Ali Khan, stands as the lone Muslim contender, facing three-time BJP MP PC Mohan. Khan, acknowledging the under-representation of Muslims, remains optimistic about breaking the two-decade drought in Karnataka’s Muslim representation. He emphasizes the need for voting based on candidates’ merit rather than caste and community affiliations for fair representation of all communities in Parliament.
