Contemporary ‘Pasmanda’ Leadership and the Hindutva Politics in Uttar Pradesh

The article explores the positioning of the political elite of a marginalized minority community in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The co-option of Pasmanda elites within the BJP has seemingly transformed the nature of Pasmanda politics. The article argues that the non-ideological assertion of the Pasmanda elites leaves little room for politics of autonomy. These elites are drawn from the newly-educated, self-interested, middle class amongst the Pasmanda. They draw a distinction between the political, social and cultural needs of the community. They attempt to invoke politics for developmental gains, keeping aside the cultural and social predicaments of the Muslim community within the hegemonic Hindutva politics of the BJP. The old agenda of democratizing Muslim politics has been replaced by promoting the individual interest of the new Pasmanda elite. For the BJP, Pasmanda is a tool that enables inclusive political posturing.