Backward Communities and Migrant Workers in Surat Riots

In the riots in Surat that followed the demolition of Babri masjid on December 6, 1992, the BJP and Hindutva forces had the backing of the migrant Hindu communities in the city. These upwardly mobile communities were looking for a broader identity and a larger political role, which the Congress had failed to provide. The BJP attempted to fill this vacuum and, therefore, had the resources of these communities at its disposal.