In the aftermath of the just concluded Assembly elections in Telangana, the resounding support of the Muslim community for the Congress party has created a paradox for the newly appointed Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy. Despite the overwhelming backing, none of the Muslim candidates fielded by the party emerged victorious.

The absence of a Muslim face in the Cabinet has posed a significant challenge for Chief Minister with the Congress high command deciding not to include any defeated candidate. This decision has further compounded matters, making the task of providing representation to a community that played a pivotal role in securing the Congress party’s triumph that more difficult.

It is the first time in the history of the combined Andhra Pradesh and Telangana that no Muslim minister is inducted, a notable shift in the region’s political landscape. In a way for the first time there’s a ‘Muslim-mukt (Muslim free) Cabinet the State. Barring the seven MLAs of the All India Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), no Muslim candidate from either the Congress or the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) could make it to the Assembly. The Congress fielded six Muslim candidates and the BRS three.

Among the defeated Congress candidates, the seasoned leader and former minister, Muhammad Ali Shabbir, finds himself on the sidelines along with former Indian cricket captain, Muhammad Azharuddin and Feroz Khan who unsuccessfully contested the election thrice earlier.

The composition of the 11-member Cabinet announced yesterday has led to both appreciation and disappointment. The Congress party in an attempt to strike a balance, ensured representation for all castes and communities, acknowledging the role played by various sections in its electoral success. However, the absence of a Muslim representative in the Cabinet has left the community disheartened.

Despite their significant support that contributed to the Congress storming to power after a decade, the absence of a Muslim minister in the newly formed Cabinet has become a focal point of concern and talk of the town. There is also a sense of disappointment among the NRI Muslims of Telangana. These members of the Diaspora, who have maintained a keen interest in the political development of their home State, had hoped for the induction of a Muslim representative in the Cabinet. The absence of such representation has resonated even among those outside the national borders, adding a global dimension to the community’s concerns.

A community leader lamented, “The Chief Minister has ensured a perfect caste balance with due recognition to women and weaker sections. But the only sore thing is that there is no Muslim minister in the new Cabinet.”

The Telangana Council of Ministers has the potential to expand its strength to a maximum of 18 members, providing a window for adjustments. Recognizing the palpable disappointment within the Muslim community, there is speculation that the Congress high command may address this gap in representation during subsequent Cabinet expansions. The focus is not necessarily limited to previously fielded candidates but extends to including prominent individuals from the community. One or two Muslims are expected to be nominated to the Legislative Council, paving way for their inclusion in the Cabinet. Muhammad Ali Shabbir is widely perceived as the natural choice given his experience. But his continuous drubbings at the hustling in the previous elections might come in the way, it is said. Chances of Azharuddin, the other prominent figure from Hyderabad, also appears slim since he is involved in a case of alleged misappropriation of Hyderabad Cricket Association funds. Despite their electoral setbacks, many argue that they should be considered, since they showcased their commitment to public service and garnered support from within and outside the community.

Amidst the uncertainty, lobbying efforts by influential members of the  community have intensified. Educationist, Zafar Javeed, and former Wakf Board chairman Syed Afzal Bayabani alias Khusru Pasha have thrown their hat in the ring. It is also possible that the Chief Minister may choose a fresh face from the Muslim community who has not contested in the recent elections.

As the political landscape continues to evolve in Telangana, the absence of Muslim representation in the initial Cabinet formation stands out as a sore point. The community’s hope remains pinned on the prospect of an inclusive approach during future expansions, highlighting the delicate balance that political leadership must navigate to ensure equitable representation for all sections of society.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated December 9,2023

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       AIMIM MLA-elects

 While the Congress tsunami has swept the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) away in the just concluded Assembly polls in Telangana, the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) bastion in Hyderabad’s old city remains intact. The Congress failed to make any dent here. The Majlis once again demonstrated its supremacy in the old city by decimating its arch-rivals – BJP and MBT. Despite the initial hiccups the Majlis managed to retain its base, clinching victory in its existing 7 Assembly seats. The party came up a cropper in two other constituencies it contested – Jubilee Hills and Rajendernagar.

However, the sweet taste of triumph is tinged with the bitterness of reduced victory margins in two crucial constituencies— Nampally and Yakutpura. The latter being its stronghold, the poor performance has come as a shock to the party. Incidentally, this segment witnessed the lowest polling percentage of 27.87 in the city. The electoral battle for the Majlis was especially tough in these segments with the Congress and MBT candidates putting up a spirited fight. Right from the word go it was a nail-biting, booth-to-booth battle with Feroz Khan of Congress and MBT’s Amjadullah Khan engaged in a neck-to-neck race in Nampally and Yakutpura constituencies respectively. In fact, they threw a scare in the Majlis camp and as the counting of votes progressed it proved to be a touch-and-go situation.

At Darussalam, the party headquarters, the Majlis leadership, and its supporters waited for the outcome with bated breath. There was a palpable relief when former Mayor, Mohammed Majid Hussain, won by 2037 votes in Nampally and Jaffar Hussain Meraj scraped through with a mere 878 votes in Yakutpura. In Karwan constituency too the party faced a tough contest from Amar Singh of BJP in the initial rounds. Ultimately the sitting Majlis legislator, Kausar Mohiuddin, romped home with a comfortable margin of 41,986 votes. However, the biggest win for the party was from its veteran leader, Akbaruddin Owaisi, who retained his Chandrayangutta seat by a huge margin of 81,660 votes. In Bahadurpura, first-time contestant, Mohammed Mubeen, routed his BRS opponent by a margin of 67,025 votes. Ahmad Bin Abdullah Balala, who faced a tough challenge from Shaikh Akbar of Congress in Malakpet, trounced him by 26,106 votes while former Mayor, Mir Zulfeqar Ali, registered a comfortable win from Charminar with a margin of 22,853 votes.

The narrow win in Yakutpura and Nampally constituencies reflects a shifting electorate attitude. The youth, a crucial demographic, seem to have plumped for the Congress in Nampally and leaned towards the MBT’s Amjadullah Khan in Yakutpura. A desire for change resonated among the voters, something the Majlis leadership has to reflect on.

In contrast, Jubilee Hills and Rajendernagar constituencies seemed destined to elude the Majlis. The party, cognizant of this reality, is not unduly perturbed by the outcome. Party candidates, Swamy Yadav (Rajendernagar) and Mohammed Rashed Farazuddin (Jubilee Hills) ended up in the fourth position. At the end of the day, there’s no gain or loss for the Majlis. But the close shave has served as a wakeup call to the leadership.

The Majlis supremo, Asaduddin Owaisi, acknowledged the verdict with respect, expressing gratitude for the voters who supported his party. “We will identify the loopholes and take corrective measures,” he remarked.

All said and done, the close contest in Nampally and Yakutpura has certainly come as a shock to the Majlis leadership. The party has to seriously think of reevaluating its strategies and connecting with the changing aspirations of the electorate. In the final analysis, the electoral outcome presents an opportunity for introspection rather than despair. Though rooted in its stronghold, the Majlis has to grapple with the dynamics of evolving preferences. Adapting to the rising ambitions of the electorate and addressing the changing political landscape is imperative for the party’s sustained relevance

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated December 4,2023

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Friday sermons in mosques are usually confined to ethical and religious issues. But devotees at a mosque in Hyderabad were treated to a different subject altogether. The other day Maulana Obaidur Rehman Athar, Khateeb of Masjid-e-Teen Posh in Red Hills, waxed eloquent about the upcoming elections in the State. Instead of delving into the intricacies of religious doctrines, his khutba transcended the spiritual realm to wade into the electoral landscape.

In a voice that echoed through the packed mosque, Maulana Obaidur Rahman articulated a perspective grounded in Islamic principles, emphasizing that casting one’s vote is a sacred trust, a duty that goes beyond the temporal allure of monetary gains or other fleeting considerations.

“To accept money in exchange for your vote is to betray the very trust bestowed upon you,” he declared with unwavering conviction. His eloquence painted a vivid picture of civic responsibility intertwined with the moral fabric of Islamic teachings. “O, you who believe! Be upholders of justice, bearing witness for Allah alone,” he said quoting the Quran. In this context he urged Muslims, who are activists of different political parties, to be sincere in their approach. All their efforts should be to please Allah and not anyone else.  Only then the poll outcome would be in the community’s favour,” he said.

He steers clear of politics

Steering clear of politics, he spoke about the importance of voting and the responsibilities of citizens. Voting, in a way, is giving testimony in favour of a person or party. The way false testimony is a major sin in Islam so is voting in favour of a candidate whom one knows is not worthy.

Moreover, in Islam, one is expected to bear witness without being swayed by either monetary or any other considerations. As such one should not cast a vote in exchange for money. Otherwise, it will amount to betraying the trust, a stance firmly rooted in the principles of Islam.

“Selling of votes or the conscience is a betrayal of the trust,” The Maulana declared, setting the tone for a discourse that intertwined religious teachings with civic responsibility. His words served as a reminder that the act of voting is an ethical responsibility that aligns with Islamic principles.

Quoting the scripture and Hadith (Prophetic traditions), the Maulana encouraged a conscientious approach to the electoral process, emphasizing the role of individuals in shaping a society that reflects the principles of justice and welfare. His references to religious texts were aimed at instilling a sense of duty among the attendees, emphasizing that active participation in the democratic process is not only compatible with Islam but is encouraged when it serves the greater good.

Do not sit at home, cast your vote

He further asked Muslims to go out and cast their votes on the day of polling as failing to do so might help a wrong candidate get elected. “There is no point in grumbling about the outcome of elections and the state of affairs when you sit at home on the day of polling”, the Maulana remarked.

Stating that unity is the need of the hour, he regretted that Muslims are divided in matters of elections too. They are pitted against each other in many constituencies much to the detriment of the larger interest of the community.

The Friday sermon sought to bridge the gap between religious teachings and civic responsibilities. Without mincing words, the Maulana urged the worshippers to approach the elections with a discerning eye, guided by principles that extend beyond individual interests. The sermon also demonstrated the adaptability of religious discourse to address contemporary issues. It sure left an indelible mark on the minds of those present.

.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated November 18,2023

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In the run-up to the upcoming Assembly elections, a Front representing Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), B.Cs, and Muslims has come forward with an earnest appeal to voters. Their message is clear: voters should exercise their democratic rights judiciously and resist the allure of empty political promises. The appeal stems from the disappointment of many minority communities who voted in the last elections, particularly in support of the BRS party, only to see those promises left unfulfilled.

In the previous election, the TRS party (now BRS) garnered the support of minority communities, who were swayed by promises of inclusive policies and social justice. The party pledged to provide a 12 percent reservation for Muslims, a commitment that resonated deeply with the aspirations of this community. However, as time has passed, it has become evident that these promises have not been honored.

The failure to fulfill the 12 percent reservation promise to Muslims is a stark example of political parties falling short of their commitments. This not only betrays the trust of the minority voters but also highlights a larger issue of political accountability. “When politicians make grandiose promises to secure votes and then fail to follow through, it undermines the very essence of democracy,” said Sanullah Khan, Chairman, SC,ST,BC, Muslim Front.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, he said the disappointment faced by minority communities was not isolated but reflected a broader trend. He drew a parallel between the KCR government and the Modi government, to show how both the administrations have not lived up to their pledges regarding minority welfare. Therefore, it is necessary to be vigilant and make informed voting,” said Front members M A Azeez (Movement for Peace and Justice), S A Qadeer, M.A. Masood (advocate).

The Forum held a round table conference at Media Plus auditorium to discuss the current political situation. Later speaking to presspersons the members said during 2014 and 2019 elections, minorities, particularly Muslims unitedly voted for BRS since Telangana was a long standing dream. They were also lured by KCR’s promise to implement 12 percent reservations to Muslims within six months. But till date the promise remains unfulfilled. No concrete steps were taken during the last nine years to improve the educational and economic status of Muslims. The Front members also blamed the BRS government for failure to protect the Wakf properties. Likewise the government failed to appoint a Muslim vice-chancellor and a Muslim member in the State Public Service Commission. This apart the Alair encounter of Muslim youths and many such other things have increased the mistrust of minorities over the years. Empowerment of Muslims through electoral representations also remained a pipedream.

The Front leaders urged voters to carefully study the manifesto of different political parties before exercising their vote. Some members felt the Congress should be given a chance since the party has remained away from power for so many years. They wanted voters to look beyond the superficial allure of political campaigns and examine the track record and sincerity of the candidates and parties they wished to support.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated November 4,2023

 

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This influential Muslim panel has made it abundantly clear that it will not be taking sides in the upcoming elections nor endorsing any political party. Instead, it likes to focus on a message of unity and social harmony, calling for voting out forces that spread hatred.

In the run-up to elections, when political parties vie for support and endorsements from various groups and organizations, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has chosen to remain neutral. This influential Muslim panel has made it abundantly clear that it will not be taking sides in the upcoming elections nor endorsing any political party. Instead, it likes to focus on a message of unity and social harmony, calling for voting out forces that spread hatred.

The AIMPLB, under the leadership of its president, Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, has resolved to maintain a steadfast commitment to its core mission of safeguarding the personal laws and rights of Muslims in India. Therefore, its stance on elections transcends political considerations and delves into the realm of social responsibility.

By refraining from endorsing any specific political party or candidate, the Board would like to ensure that it remains an impartial and inclusive organization. This position is in tune with the democratic ethos of the country, where every citizen has the right to make their own political choices based on their beliefs and values.

“The Board wants to underscore the importance of electing leaders and parties that prioritize social cohesion and national unity over divisive rhetoric,” is all that Maulana Rahmani would say.

The Board’s decision not to instruct Muslims on how to vote reflects a commitment to the democratic principles of individual agency and choice. It trusts the electorate to make informed decisions based on their own assessment of candidates and parties, rather than imposing a top-down endorsement. By advocating removal of hate-driven forces, it sends a powerful message that goes beyond politics and underscores the importance of unity in a diverse democracy.

Stick to Sharia

Under the present situation when attempts are being made to interfere in the personal laws of the community, Maulana Rahmani wants Muslims to strictly adhere to the Sharia principles. They should voluntarily enforce the Sharia doctrine in their life no matter what law the government enacts. Be it marriage, divorce, khula or inheritance Muslims should follow the Sharia in letter and spirit. Sharia has fixed the share of sons to double that of daughters in inheritance. If the law of the land says otherwise Muslim women should insist on taking only that much share which Sharia gives them, even if there is a worldly loss. “Such a spirit towards Sharia needs to be developed in these challenging times when attempts are on to deprive Muslims of their personal laws,” he remarked.

He called on the community to work to build bridges of friendship with fellow countrymen. Every Muslim should develop good relations with at least five non-Muslim brethren. They should engage with members of other faiths and share their joys and sorrows. In keeping with the Islamic morals, they should respect elders, women and show compassion to children belonging to other religions. This will create a ripple effect of goodwill across the country in a short span of time.  Such a move will also dispel misconceptions about Islam and help build a tolerant society.

Citing the example of the Prophet of Islam, he called the community to reach out to the oppressed regardless of their beliefs. In matters of human rights, Islam doesn’t make any distinction on the basis of religion. Wherever there are riots be it in Gujarat or Manipur, Muslims should stand by the victims. Muslims are not the only oppressed community in India. Other minorities, particularly Dalits, are also being targeted. The condition of Dalits is more pitiable as they are not even considered human. Even if a Dalit becomes the country’s President, he can’t enter the temple.  “This is an insult to humanity, and it is the duty of Muslims to stand by all those who are wronged,” Maulana Rahmani said.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated October 3,2023

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