Why Muslims Vote? An Ethnographic Study of Indian Muslims

This study delves into the electoral motivations of Muslim voters in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP), India, against the backdrop of their socio-political marginalization. Drawing from ethnographic fieldwork and interviews conducted during the 2022 UP Assembly elections, the research examines the nuanced factors influencing Muslim voters' decisions, comparing them with non-Muslim counterparts. While Muslims face substantial economic and social disenfranchisement, their participation in elections remains robust, rooted in a complex mix of transactional relationships, security concerns, and the democratic right to vote. The research explores the underlying motivations behind Muslim voters’ preferences, from choosing a favourite candidate to ensuring their survival and community security. It challenges the reductionist view that Muslim voting behaviour is solely driven by religious affiliations, highlighting the influence of local politics and personal connections. For instance, Muslim voters often prioritize practical outcomes, such as the provision of basic amenities, rather than aligning strictly with religious leadership or identity politics. Similarly, Hindu voters exhibit diverse motivations, shaped by caste and regional affiliations, reflecting the complexity of electoral dynamics in UP. This work contributes to broader discussions on democratic participation, minority representation, and political agency in India, underscoring how marginalized communities navigate electoral systems to assert their presence and influence policy outcomes. It provides insights into the resilience of democratic values within marginalized groups, despite facing systemic exclusion.