Despite popular narratives to the contrary, Muslims are losing ground in India in socioeconomic terms.

Karnataka offers an alternative model state based not only on growth, but also on the closing of social and religious gaps, in contrast to the socio-economic, caste, and communal polarization which prevail in western and northern India.

The rise of the SCs and OBCs in salaried jobs has generated resentment among many dominant castes which are still over-represented in agriculture, a profession which is rapidly losing viability.

The upcoming elections in Gujarat will be an important test for the Modi government. Many Patels in Gujurat feel alienated and betrayed, but there remain many ardent partisans of the BJP, especially among the elite fractions of the caste.