Identity Crisis Of Minorities In Democratic India: The Case Of Indian Union Muslim League And A Successful Response In Kerala Under Ch Mohammad Koya

Abstract

This paper examines how CH Mohammad Koya’s visionary leadership and the strategic evolution of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in Kerala transformed minority politics from identity-based isolation to inclusive democratic engagement. In a national context where Muslims often face socio-economic marginalization, negative stereotyping, and political underrepresentation despite constitutional safeguards, Kerala offers a striking contrast. Through coalition politics, educational reforms, welfare policies, and advocacy for constitutional values, Koya repositioned the IUML as a legitimate force for social justice and secular governance. The study employs a qualitative, historical-analytical approach, drawing on primary sources including Koya’s speeches, party records, and legislative debates alongside academic literature and government reports such as the Sachar Committee Report. The analysis, grounded in theories of multiculturalism, identity politics, and minority rights, reveals that Koya’s inclusive model fostered communal harmony and empowered marginalized communities without compromising democratic principles. Kerala’s experience under Koya’s leadership thus offers a replicable framework for addressing minority identity crises in India, demonstrating that minority politics, when rooted in constitutionalism and constructive engagement, can serve as a catalyst for equitable development and democratic pluralism.