Karnataka redux in Telangana: Clamor grows for ‘Pasmanda Muslamaan’ rights as poll draws near

Hyderabad: Pasmanda seems to be a new vote-catcher phrase in Telangana, thanks to Congress’s victory in Karnataka.

This follows the consolidation of Muslim votes in favor of Congress in Karnataka.

Some people feel that the majority of Muslims were pushed into social and economic backwardness by the elite in Telangana. Others say the idea is a ploy to divide the community’s votes and avert a situation like Karnataka.

Unlike northern India where the Pasmanda category is identified particularly in UP and Bihar, in Telangana, Pasmanda is referred loosely to those who are considered backward and come under the BC category.

Adnan Qamar, a youth who identifies himself as Pasmanda, has taken up this cause in Telangana. He argues that since the political elite in the state has failed to address the issue, he would ensure that real issues of social, economic, and educational requirements of Telangana’s Pasmanda are addressed. He said it should be a major issue in the upcoming assembly election.

According to him, currently, 75.4% of Muslims in Telangana are Pasmanda Backward Class (BC-E and BC-B) members. Despite having reservations, their social and educational conditions are worse than those of any other community, including SCs and STs.

Pasmanda community leaders have often tried to raise the issue that they are the numerical majority among the Muslim population but that a small elite section (Ashrafs) played the lead role.

“Unlike Karnataka where Muslims have voted Congress out of fear, in Telangana their concerns are different. Pasmanda constituted 75%, here. The real issues remain socio-economical. Most Muslims are more backward than Dalits and tribals,” he said.

Mohammed Abbas, the president of the Awaaz said that they have already made contact with eight Pasmanda Muslim communities and are assisting them in resolving their problems. Fakers, Pattar Phodulu, Kanchera, Burewala, Pichakuntla Turkolu, Sapera, and Pittala Muslims are amongst others.

“These communities' social and educational conditions are dire. There is inadequate representation to address their problems. It is necessary to make efforts to develop leadership within these communities,” he said.

According to economists, ‘Pasmanda’ originally was used for referring to ‘untouchables’. However, by the time of the Mandal Commission, some other groups were also included starting from STs. Amongst Muslims, UP has a well-documented discourse on differences which was highlighted by scholars like Khalid Anis Ansari. When it comes to Telangana there are no major differences, as 90% of the population represents lower strata.

“Already most of these communities are taking the lead, apart from their huge presence in Gulf nations. Moreover, reservations under BC (E) for some 15 categories, are already being implemented. I don’t think Pasmanda is an issue anywhere except UP and Bihar. Caste is there but no hierarchy unlike in UP. There was always an opportunity to get out of it (in Telangana),” said Amir Ullah Khan, who was a member of the Commission of Inquiry on Socio-Economic and Educational Condition of Muslims, Telangana set up by the Telangana government.

The catchphrase gained traction after Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized helping out the ‘Pasmanda’ last year and later in January 2023 following his address at Hyderabad’s national executive conclave where he advocated the same.

This created a buzz among the BJP leadership here. However, there were no major visible efforts from the BJP or its minority morcha. But political pundits believe that following Karnataka’s results the party may have increased efforts in this affront.