The party has not only to address dissatisfaction within its ranks but also reconcile with a historically supportive Muslim community that now questions its commitment to their representation and interests.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Senior Muslim faces in Congress party feel that the community has been marginalised and its role diminished in the recent substantial reshuffle in the party’s Delhi unit.
The team of national president of the party Mallikarjun Kharge is under scrutiny for sidelining minorities, especially the Muslim community. Leaders like Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi always emphasised adequate Muslim representation in the party, feel old-time Muslim hands in the party. The significant departure from the Congress’ established practice is causing unease within the ranks of the party, they said.
Hasan Ahmed, former legislator from East Delhi’s Mustafabad constituency, voiced his disappointment over the reshuffle in the party wherein “Muslims have largely been ignored.” He stressed the significance of assigning more responsibilities to Muslims to secure their votes for the Congress, deeming it crucial in the current political landscape.
Chaudhary Mateen Ahmed, former MLA from Seelampur, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the historical trust that the Muslim community has placed in Congress leadership. However, he highlighted a growing concern among Muslims about their diminished role in the recent organisational changes. He urged immediate corrective action to restore the community’s confidence.
Senior Congress leader Tariq Siddiqui noted a departure from past traditions, stating that the party previously allocated roughly 15 percent of responsibilities to minorities – a practice seemingly abandoned by the current leadership.
The neglect of Muslims in the new team has stirred concerns within the community, creating a wave of apprehension, Siddiqui said.
Haji Ikram Hasan, chairman of the All India Muslim Ekta Committee, said not giving due representation to Muslims in the new setup may affect the historical relations between Muslims and the Congress. He accused the party of betrayal, citing events like unlocking Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, actions during former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit’s tenure, and the subsequent demolition campaign as part of a well-thought-out conspiracy.
Congress leader Haji Maqsood Jamal from Selampur area emphasised that the party fared adversely whenever Muslims distanced themselves from it.
As the Congress grapples with these concerns, it faces the challenge of not only addressing the dissatisfaction within its ranks but also reconciling with a historically supportive Muslim community that now questions its commitment to their representation and interests.
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Photo used for illustration
