Secular parties and Muslim citizens join forces to counter sectarian politics and uphold constitutional values in the face of rising religious polarisation.
Team Clarion
MUMBAI — During the ongoing general elections, Muslim voters in this sprawling metropolis have shown their determination to support candidates with secular credentials and reject those with a sectarian agenda. As the political landscape becomes increasingly polarised along religious lines, both secular parties and Muslim communities have been trying to rally together to safeguard the principles of democracy and secularism.
Principal Abdul Aahad from National Urdu High School in the city’s Jogeshwari East, has underscored the urgency of the situation. “In the last ten years, BJP has done nothing but hate politics… The current election is a battle between right and wrong,” he said. Emphasising the need for Muslim unity at the ballot box, he has called for a concerted effort to defeat sectarian forces and elect candidates who prioritise inclusivity and diversity.
Echoing similar sentiments, Aleem Ahmed Shabbir Ahmed, a civil engineer, stressed the importance of Muslim solidarity in the face of adversity. “If we continue to turn a blind eye to our open enemy… our situation will become worse,” he warned. Highlighting recent instances of discrimination and marginalisation faced by the Muslim community, Ahmed emphasized the necessity of voting as one cohesive bloc to protect the rights and interests of the community.
Mahfouzur Rahman Ansari, a caterer from Morland Road, urged Muslim organizations to play an active role in mobilising voters and ensuring maximum participation in the electoral process. “We have to ensure that our vote is not divided… social organisations will not only have to take the responsibility of registering and correcting new names in the voter list but also carry out street-to-wall polling,” Ansari asserted. By conducting grassroots outreach and raising awareness among villagers, Ansari believes that Muslims can effectively counter divisive narratives and strengthen democratic principles.
Businessman Altaf Khan from Sancli Street advocated broader inclusivity in the electoral campaign, emphasising the importance of engaging secular-minded individuals in the political process. “We know who our enemy is… it is also important that the brothers and the country should be included in this campaign,” Khan asserted. By expanding the reach of the campaign beyond religious lines, Khan believes that Muslim voters could build alliances and foster a more inclusive political environment.
With secular parties and Muslim communities joining forces, the elections promise to be a pivotal moment in India’s democratic journey, reaffirming the collective strength of diverse voices united in the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society.
