The term 'Muslim vote bank,' commonly used to discuss the dynamics of Muslim politics, seems to have lost its currency. Apart from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, who invoke 'vote bank politics' to criticise the Congress and other opposition parties for their perceived leniency towards Muslims, few discuss it these days. The assumption, however, that Muslims think and vote strategically in favour of a particular party or coalition persists.

This normalisation of the Muslim vote bank as the ultimate political truth of Muslim politics is a result of increasing political polarisation. On the one hand, a section of the media demonises Muslims to assert its Hindutva-driven nationalism. Instead of engaging in a meaningful discussion about the evolving political aspirations of Muslims in the Modi era, this section relies heavily on prevalent political stereotypes associated with Muslims.

Opponents of Hindutva reject this negative portrayal of Muslims and decry this overt communalisation. However, their critique of pro-Hindutva media is based on an equally problematic assertion. They want us to believe that the BJP is an anti-Muslim party, and therefore, Muslims always participate in elections to defeat it. In both cases, a closed, one-dimensional, and homogeneous Muslim identity, and consequently, Muslim politics, is perpetuated and sustained.

These rigid concepts about Muslim politics are deeply troubling. It is undeniable that Muslim identity has become a problematic category in recent years. Increasing incidents of violence against Muslims-such as riots, lynching, and attacks on places of worship (and worshippers!)-at the grassroots level have influenced Muslim self-perception as a minority.........

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