Who was the father of the communal electorate?

Lord Minto is known as the father of the communal electorate. This was due to the introduction of the Indian Councils Act, 1909 which introduced separate electorates for Muslims. 

This act effectively ‘legalised communalism’ as it introduced electorates based solely on religion.

For further reading check the following articles:

• Morley-Minto Reforms
• Government of India Act 1919