Quaid-e-Millat Muhammad Ismail Sahib on Reserved Constituencies

Abstract

The topic of reserved constituencies has been a hotly debated issue before and after the independence of India. Several scholars from various social, economic and cultural backgrounds have diverse opinions on the topic. Those who oppose reservations in electorates argue that such systems merely serve to further deepen the schisms that the Indian society is benighted by. The minorities tend to overwhelmingly favor it since they have experienced the tyranny of the majority during several junctures in the long history of India. Apart from the lessons learnt from historical experience, the thoughts and viewpoints of prescient scholars voiced during the constitutional debates provide a keen insight into the various dimensions in the complex issue of reserved constituencies. The aim of this paper is to understand and analyze the opinions of Muhammad Ismail Sahib, popularly known as Quaid-e-Millat on the issue of reserved constituencies and draw linkages to the issues related to affirmative action in contemporary times.