Despite the party whip, the absence of Suresh Mhatre of the NCP (Sharad Pawar) from Lok Sabha sparks outrage in Kalyan and Bhiwandi
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI/MUMBAI — Anger is brewing among Muslims in Maharashtra’s Kalyan and Bhiwandi after local MP Suresh Gopinath Mhatre, widely known as Balya Mama, failed to attend the crucial vote on the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. Many feel let down, especially since Mhatre was elected with strong support from the Muslim community.
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP – Sharad Pawar faction) had issued a strict whip, instructing all its MPs to be present at the debate and vote on the bill. Mhatre, however, was absent from the session, even though he is seen as someone expected to defend minority rights in Parliament.
The Waqf Amendment Bill — viewed by many as an attack on Muslim religious institutions and properties — was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Several opposition MPs showed up to oppose it. Mhatre’s absence came as a shock, especially to those who had actively supported his campaign during the recent elections.
Rashid Qureshi, a community worker, said: “We voted for him hoping he’d stand up for us on important issues. But when the time came, he wasn’t even there. That silence speaks volumes. He’s failed his very first test.”
Aamir Khan, a local social activist, was more direct: “Suresh Mhatre has betrayed the Muslim community. We stood by him, helped him win, and now he turns his back when it mattered most.”
Fardeen Packer, a political commentator from Kalyan, added: “We had noticed him getting closer to BJP leaders for some time now. That raised red flags. His absence from such a key vote confirms our worst fears.”
Mhatre defeated BJP’s Kapil Moreshwar Patil in the Lok Sabha polls, winning by over 26,000 votes — a victory largely credited to Muslim voters. His win was seen as a symbol of unity and electoral strength. But that goodwill is now quickly eroding.
Amid growing criticism, Mhatre held a press conference on Saturday, stating: “I was unwell and hospitalised at the time. I had no intention of missing such an important vote. My health simply didn’t allow it.”
Mhatre’s explanation for his absence has been met with skepticism, with some pointing out that other MPs who were unwell still managed to attend the session.
A senior community figure, speaking on condition of anonymity, remarked: “It’s strange how these health issues come up at just the wrong moment. He didn’t inform anyone in advance. And now, after the damage is done, he offers an excuse.”
During the campaign, young Muslim volunteers in Kalyan had gone door to door to help get Mhatre elected. Today, many of those same volunteers say they feel used. “He told us he’d walk with us every step of the way,” said one campaigner. “But when the real moment came, he turned his back.”
Social media platforms have been flooded with criticism of Mhatre. Posts condemning his absence from the vote have gone viral, with hashtags like #WaqfBill and #Betrayal trending locally.
Many now question whether Mhatre can recover from this breach of trust. Political observers warn that once the confidence of voters — especially minority voters — is lost, it’s very difficult to regain.
One elderly resident from Kalyan summed up the prevailing sentiment: “We don’t want more speeches. We want action. We need someone who shows up when it counts.”
