Arif Naseem Khan Expresses Displeasure and Raises Questions on Minority Representation in Congress
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — Senior Maharashtra Congress leader Muhammad Arif Naseem Khan has taken a bold step by resigning from the star campaigner committee of the Congress. His decision stems from the party’s failure to nominate any Muslim candidate from Maharashtra for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
In a press conference held on Saturday, Khan expressed his dissatisfaction with the Congress leadership, particularly regarding the lack of representation for minority communities, especially Muslims and Hindi speakers. He highlighted the growing resentment among the minority community due to the absence of Muslim candidates in the candidate list spanning 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra and about 10 other states.
Confirming his resignation, Khan emphasized his commitment to the Congress party while pledging to raise the issue at the party forum. With a distinguished political career, having served as a minister five times and a Member of the Assembly four times, Khan’s departure marks a significant moment in the party’s internal dynamics.
Responding to questions about the Congress’s approach towards Muslim representation, Khan acknowledged the prevailing trend. He stated that while the Congress seeks Muslim votes, it falls short in fielding Muslim candidates, a concern echoed by leaders of the minority community across Maharashtra.
Khan highlighted the disappointment expressed by various organizations representing different districts of Mumbai, Kokan, Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Maharashtra. Traditionally, the Congress has reserved one to two seats in Maharashtra for minority or Hindi-speaking candidates, reflecting the party’s inclusive ideology. However, this tradition has been overlooked in the current scenario.
Taking responsibility to convey the community’s discontent to the Congress High Command, Khan has addressed a letter to the party president Malikarjun Kharge, urging a reconsideration of the candidate selection process. He refuted claims of personal grievances over ticket distribution, emphasizing the broader issue of minority representation within the party.
The absence of Muslim candidates in not only Maharashtra but also Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand has sparked widespread scrutiny within Muslim circles. Khan’s remarks also drew attention to the queries raised by existing Muslim and Uttar Bharatiya organizations regarding the Congress’s candidate selection process.
As the Congress grapples with internal dissent and external scrutiny, Khan’s resignation underscores the pressing need for the party to address concerns regarding minority representation and reaffirm its commitment to inclusive politics.
