[dropcap]M[/dropcap]uslims are labelled as “Abdul” and “puncture wallahs,” always stereotyped as madarsa chhaap, kathmullahs, and despised as illiterate, conservative people who don’t want higher education. Nitin Gadkari says he wants Muslims to become engineers and doctors — but that’s easier said than done.
So let’s check the reality, it is very ugly.
Article 335 ensures a fair representation in government jobs for SC/ST communities. But what about Dalit Muslims — Halalkhor, Mehtar, Bhangi, Kalwar, Chamar, Kunjara, Pasmanda, and many others?
Caste doesn’t exist in Islam as doctrine, but in India, caste exists everywhere — including among Muslims. These are India’s Dalit Muslims. Their oppression is real, but their rights are denied.
Under Article 341, SC reservations are extended to Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist Dalits — but not to Dalit Muslims or Christians. The logic? “You converted, so your caste no longer exists.” However, on the ground, discrimination remains the same. The law picks and chooses whom to protect, no?
Let me share the data that tells the story:
According to the NSSO and the Sachar Committee, Muslims have lower literacy rates, fewer job opportunities, and higher poverty levels than even SC/ST communities.
Only 2.2% of Muslims in India make it to higher education, compared to 7% of SCs and 5% of STs. Muslims are more backwards than ST/SC.
Article 40 talks about decentralization — but village panchayats remain caste fortresses, sidelining both Dalits and Muslims.
Article 44 mentions the Uniform Civil Code — but the focus is only on Muslim personal laws. Hindu Undivided Family tax benefits continue, but Muslims are told “Shariah Law Nahin Chalega.” Gazab ka hypocrisy hai bhaisaab!!
No. This isn’t just about education. The system is built to keep “Abdul” in his place.
Deny them education.
Deny them reservations.
Deny them justice.
How many Muslim representatives are in Lok and Rajya Sabha, the two houses of Indian Parliament? Please go and check.
Notwithstanding if a few manage to rise and question the system? Harass them, jail them.
Sharjeel Imam, an IIT graduate and JNU PhD scholar — was jailed under UAPA.
Umar Khalid, a history PhD, branded a riot conspirator for questioning the government.
Dr Kafeel Khan — his crime? Trying to save dying children. He was jailed.
Gulfisha Fatima, a student protester, was locked up.
Siddique Kappan was arrested on his way to report on the Hathras rape case.
Najeeb Ahmed, a JNU student who argued with the wrong people — vanished. No media noise, and no CBI action. Just another Muslim who went missing.
If Muslims remain uneducated, they’re called backwards.
If they get educated, they’re called “Urban Naxals” or “Islamists” or “Jihadis.”
If they demand rights, they’re told, “Go to Pakistan.”
Is the system broken?
No. It’s not broken.
It was designed and built this way.
A harsh reality!!
No wonder marginalized Muslims end up in ghettos. The system leaves them with no other choice but to remain silent!
