The Muslim community played a pivotal role in securing the return of Chief Minister Hemant Soren to power by uniting against the BJP during the elections
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
RANCHI – Muslim intellectuals and activists are unhappy with Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s government in Jharkhand for its unfulfilled promises and deliberate attempts to stall key institutions dedicated to minority welfare.
Despite Soren’s initial commitment to prioritise the well-being of all sections of the state, with a specific emphasis on the development of minorities, it has been observed that crucial government-run entities, including the Jharkhand Urdu Academy, State Minorities Commission, State Haj Committee, and Urdu Advisory Committee, have been grounded to a halt.
Critics point out that the state’s minority institutions, once vibrant and essential for community development, are now virtually inactive, raising concerns over the government’s commitment to its promises. Muslim intellectuals from various districts, including Bokaro, Singhbhum, Hazari Bagh, Pathar Gama, Daltenganj, and Giridiha, have voiced their disappointment, placing blame squarely on the state government and specifically targeting the two Muslim ministers in the Soren cabinet.
The Muslim community played a pivotal role in securing the return of Chief Minister Soren to power by uniting against the BJP during the elections. However, the community now feels betrayed as promises made by Soren during the poll campaign have not materialised into tangible improvements for the minority population.
Over the past four and a half years, concerns of the Urdu-speaking population in the state have been voiced through outlets such as Clarion India, urging the government to address their grievances. The community has consistently called for restructuring of key institutions, including the Jharkhand Urdu Academy, State Minority Commission, State Minority Finance Corporation Limited, and State Urdu Consultative Committee. However, the government has allegedly failed to take meaningful steps in response to these demands.
As the state approaches parliamentary and assembly elections, the dissatisfaction among the Urdu-speaking population could have significant political ramifications. The minority community is demanding answers from the government regarding cancellation of rights and a lack of progress in promised reforms. This dissatisfaction might provide an opportunity to the BJP, which is actively working to secure Muslim votes, potentially shifting the political landscape in the upcoming elections. The grand coalition government, which relied on diverse support for its victory, now faces the challenge of addressing the grievances of a crucial constituency to maintain its political standing.
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File photo: Mohd. Faizi with his uncle and undisputed Muslim leader of Jharkhand Andolon Tako Ansari.
