Bengal's Muslim Vote: Why Religious Charisma Fails to Sway Electoral Outcomes

• Muslim religious leaders like Abbas Siddiqui (ISF) and Humayun Kabir rarely impact Bengal's electoral math despite media hype.
• Bengal's Muslim voters prioritize "electoral rationality" and "political security," fearing vote-splitting, especially against BJP.
• Historical patterns show consolidation is tactical insurance, not ideological loyalty, with voters making local calculations.
• Clergy-based parties lack state-wide organization, non-Muslim allies, and broad appeal beyond grievance politics.
• Religious charisma shapes narratives but not outcomes; power rests with those controlling institutions, welfare, and electoral arithmetic.

Why It Matters: Bengal's Muslim electorate consistently prioritizes tactical voting over religious charisma for political security.