A video of Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor discussing the political relationship between Brahmin and Muslim voters has gone viral, with the political strategist questioning why sections of the Brahmin community have moved away from a voter base that once helped them win elections.
In the video, Kishor addresses members of the Brahmin community and says their ancestors held positions such as legislators and MPs during Congress rule. He argues that electoral success in a democracy depends on the number of votes a candidate can secure.
Kishor says Muslims accounted for around 20 per cent of the potential vote share in the political equation he describes. However, he argues that sections of the Brahmin community weakened their electoral prospects by aligning with the BJP and using social media to target Muslims.
“You cannot increase your population. The other factor was that Muslims accounted for 20 per cent of the votes. But you took up the BJP flag and began abusing the Muslim community on social media. As a result, you lost even those 20 per cent votes. Now tell me, how can you win an election in such a situation?” he says in the video.
Kishor Questions Opposition to Muslims
Kishor also questions what he describes as the hostility towards Muslims, asking whether the conflict concerns land, reservation or any other specific issue.
“What exactly is your fight with Muslims about? Is it about land? Is it about reservation? What is the issue?” he asks.
He says members of the community may not have participated in riots or physical violence, but their social media activity has contributed to alienating voters who once supported them.
Kishor further questions the claim that members of the community consider themselves intellectuals while engaging in online abuse.
Says Brahmin Community’s Strength Lies in Education
Kishor also invokes the examples of Parashurama and Goddess Saraswati, arguing that the Brahmin community’s traditional strengths lie in education, knowledge and writing rather than political or religious confrontation.
“Your real strength is the pen. Your real strength is Goddess Saraswati,” he says.
He adds that members of the community are now facing difficulties even in organising celebrations for Parashurama Jayanti, and argues that they should reconsider their political approach.
