the perennial underdog

“Last time we lost in Arambagh, Goghat, Khanakul, Pursura…but we spared you out of magnanimity. This time, I personally take responsibility. After May 4, I'll see whose father from Delhi comes to save them.” ~ Abhishek Banerjee’s open threat to voters.

Ernakulam Bifurcation Demand: Why the Kerala Muslim Jamaath Wants a Separate District. Thread 1-12. 1. The Kerala model of secularism, which was designed to favour Christians and Muslims and treats Hindus as 8th class citizens, is cracking under rapid demographic shifts. As per the 2011 census, Hindus were 54.73%, Muslims 26.56% and Christians 18.38%. But recent estimates (Kerala Migration Survey 2023) show Hindus down to 53.2%, Muslims up to 29.3% and Christians down to 16.9%. 2. Muslim share in live births has surged — 44.4% in 2019 vs their population proportion — while Hindu and Christian shares lag. In some years, net additions show Muslims gaining over 104,000 members while Hindus add just 1,000 and Christians decline. 3. This demographic change isn't uniform. Malappuram stands out: it was carved in 1969 as India's first Muslim-majority district outside Kashmir. Once it was part of Kozhikode district with a historically Hindu majority, but after bifurcation Malappuram became a precedent for religiously influenced administrative changes. 4. Now, the same forces that placed Malappuram in the Muslim League's pocket are eyeing Ernakulam — Kerala's commercial engine. In 2011, Hindus were 46% and Christians 38%. With Ernakulam's Muslim population growing, the Kerala Muslim Jamaath now demands bifurcation: carve out a new district with Muvattupuzha as headquarters. 5. This mirrors the Malappuram playbook: use shifting numbers to create controllable administrative units. 6. Why bifurcation? In areas with rising Muslim concentrations, it enables localised political dominance — easier control over local bodies, resources, policing and policy. Malappuram showed how a Muslim-majority district can set distinct social norms. Ernakulam bifurcation risks creating another enclave where one community calls the shots, sidelining others. 7. In a 2016 article, author Tufail Ahmed mentioned an incident where a thirsty tourist passing through Malappuram couldn't buy lime water because all shops were shut during the day in the month of Ramzan. He said: "Unable to protest, local Hindus have willingly accepted their position as Dhimmis, second-class citizens.” 8. Beyond districts, demands escalate for more resources: recalibrating reservations (Muslim League is pushing caste census for higher Muslim quotas beyond current OBC shares), more festival holidays, and greater share in government posts/education despite Gulf-driven economic mobility in the community. 9. When population growth outpaces others in births and net addition, it translates to greater vote banks, bargaining power in coalitions, and claims on state resources — funded by all taxpayers. 10. As one group grows faster, it shifts power without assimilation or uniform civic norms — echoing concerns in other regions where minority Hindus faced marginalisation once numbers tipped (Kashmir exodus). 11. One-sided demographic growth risks turning Hindus and Christians into effective minorities in pockets, with reduced cultural space. Unchecked, this leads to gerrymandering districts, entitlement politics, and strain on society. Hindus are beginning to polarise across castes, and Christians are seeking overseas havens for self-preservation. 12. Kerala doesn't have to become the next Kashmir. But ignoring data on births, district demands and resource politics would be unwise. The Centre can preempt escalation by revoking statehood and running Kerala like a Union Territory. It may be the only way to secure the rights of non Muslims in Kerala.

Joi Maa Kali! Joi Maa Durga! In Kolkata this evening, I prayed at the Thanthania Kalibari. This ancient Temple has a very close connection with Bengali culture and Kolkata in particular. It also has a very close association with Sri Ramakrishna, who used to pray there very often. I prayed for the prosperity, good health and well-being of the people of India.