Quota for Muslims

I am not a Muslim, so you know who's writing this.

Recently AP Cabinet announced a "sweeping", "across the board" 5% quota for Muslims. Now I know that the cries of "appeasement" would not be far behind (and so would be bandhs, dharnas and demonstrations). But I would ask you to count 10, and take a deep breath, and read what I have to say. And then you can do whatever you think is right.

Firstly, when SC/ST in India enjoy the benefits of reservations in jobs, why should Muslims be denied this pleasure. Its a no-brainer that Muslims are really a backward lot in India. They have really low literacy rate, a really high crime rate, and as my brother says who is a doctor, a really high disease rate. Why should a State discriminate with about 12% of population on the basis of religion?

I believe by this time, some of you might be nodding, and some might be thinking "but its their 'backward' religion that is responsible". Yes. But is it not the same for SCs/STs (their religion segregated them, leading them to remain backward)? Or for that matter, what about OBCs? They get a quota, despite the fact that the religion never oppressed them. If they "deserve" reservations, Muslims do present a stronger case. Definitely.

And its definitely time that being the majority community, the Hindus recognise this and gladly and willingly gave their share to their minority brethren.

For those of you (Hindus) who believe in WIIFM (what's-in-it-for-me), let me say that a literate, financially independent Muslim is less likely to listen to the venom that's spewed weekly from the altars of Jama Masjid (I'd apologise for this statement if it hurts you, but trust me, this is the view-from-the-outside), and less likely to be a fundamentalist. He's more likely to be friendly and less likely to be a "danger" to the majority. Now how's that for the reward?

Oh of course some of you would dispute that, citing the examples of the urdu-professor-cum-plotter-of-parliament-attacks and the likes. Yes, education and financial independence are not a panacea for all ills, but they sure make a difference.

Now, I'd go a level further. If SC/STs get a quota commensurate with their population, why not extend this quote to 12%, which is what Muslims are, in India? Should the State not not discriminate on the basis of population? This is where the whole issue smacks of politics. This is not an attempt to better the fate of 12% of Indian population. This is an attempt to garner votes, to consolidate the vote bank. To ensure the backing of the community for a long time to come. Congress is desperate, because it known it has lost the backing of this community and has no real support base anywhere in the country.

Its also time Muslims saw through these vote bank politics of these parties. Its also time that Muslims realize that these petty appeasement for which they've supported one party or the other (like Congress, or SP, or RJD) has led to a steady disillusionment of their majority brethren, and led them to believe that Muslims are "pampered" and "appeased", often at the cost of the Hindus. Otherwise its only a matter of time before the majority consolidates a vote bank. And the rise of BJP, is an example. One way to "comfort" Hindus is to reach to the mainstream, support the Hindu parties like BJP (not as in blind support like they've done for Congress and SP in the past, but to do away with the mental block of BJP being a pro-hindutva party, and vote for or against it on its own merits), and be open. That would lead to greater friendliness with the majority.

After all, if we're going to be neighbors, why not live in peace?

And now that I am done speaking, I would gladly listen to your views.