The 'fact that communal/caste parties such as Shiv Sena and BSP and the predominantly OBC parties such as PMK, Samajwadi and RJD have emerged as visible entities in the all-India political arena unfolds an important lesson for the hitherto politically divided religious minorities. Although Muslims and Christians (unlike the Sikhs) are thinly dispersed all over India they do have the numerical strength to constitute independent or coalitional enclaves in some pockets in India. It is expedient that in such enclaves they become active political actors and share power. The likely criticism to this suggestion is that this will further communalise policies in India.

My responses to this criticism are the following. First, Indian politics is already communalised to the advantage of the majority community. To organise the religious minorities for political rights is party to reduce the communal hegemony of the majority community. Second, political action by minority communities are intended to bring about social justice and equity. Third, this process will enhance the process of democratic dispersal of power to marginalised groups. Finally, bargaining is no sin in a democratic polity and only those who have political clout will get justice. (Source: The Hindustan Times, 16 November, 1999)