A look inside the mush-sought-after Muslim vote bank

New Delhi: On Wednesday, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi raised eyebrows when she held a meeting with Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Imam Bukhari. The meeting was seen as a desperate attempt on the behalf of a dwindling Congress Party to corner the much sought after Muslim vote bank. Muslim voters in India are treated as kingmakers and their support is considered essential by various political parties. As per the stats of 2011 Census, Muslims in India constitute 13.4 percent of the total population (13,81,88,240). Hindu vote in India is divided on several lines of caste and region; thus an undivided Muslims vote-bank- attracts considerable interest of various political parties. Muslim vote bank is one of the deciding factors in any Indian election. A National Election Studies (NES), CDS-Lokniti conducted a survey to gauge the voting pattern in Indian Muslims. Let's have a look at what the survey had to say- The main factors that affect the Muslim vote bank are-party, candidate and caste/community. Party In 1999, 55.50 % Muslim voters based their votes on the party. In 2004, the number dipped to 45.70% and in 2009 it was reportedly as high as 61.80%. Candidate In 1999, 25% Muslim voters voted for the candidate. Thirty-two percent in 2004 polls gave importance to the candidate. In the last Lok Sabha polls, 24.30% voters voted for the candidate. In Uttar Pradesh, Muslim community has emerged as the kingmakers. They can make or break the prospects of any political party. Uttar Pradesh enjoys considerable clout during policy-making as it is the largest state with 80 Lok Sabha seats. 2004 Samajwadi Party 61.60% Congress 14.30% Others 11.40% BSP 10.10% Bjp 2.50% 2009 SP 30.20% Congress 24.60% Others 21.70% BSP 18.50% BJP 5% Let's take a look at the voting pattern of Muslim voters in the state of Gujarat 2004 Congress 61.90% Others 19.60% BJP 18.60% 2009 Congress 66.70% Others 21% BJP 12.40%