MUMBAI
Don't take the Muslim vote for granted! That was the message a dozen Muslim organisations and NGOs working across the state, who came together in Mumbai on Tuesday, sent to the Congress-NCP alliance. And this motley group is not opposed to voting for the development agenda of BJP-Shiv Sena alliance if there is something in it for the minorities.
Muslims constitute about 11% of Maharashtra's population and have been the core constituency of the Congress since Independence.
The decision to consider supporting saffron parties was taken after an open discussion attended by over 160 leaders and activists like Firoze Mithiborwala, Maulana Athar, Maulana Mustaqeem and Salim Alware from across the state. It was also attended by representatives of organisations like All India Milli Association, All India Muslim OBC Organisation, Association of Muslim Professors, Jamiat Ulema-I-Hind (Arshad Madani), Kokan Vikas Manch and other NGOs.
A core-commitee under the chairmanship of Shabbir Ansari is likely to meet Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and BJP chief Devendra Fadnavis soon along with the manifesto of the community.
Shabbir Ansari, convenor, core-committee, and president, All India Muslim OBC Organization, told dna: "Congress-NCP has been cheating the community since the past 15 years. We have realised that the secularism card has not helped the community at large. We can give BJP-Sena a chance even if they don't field Muslim candidates. Most saffron leaders are secular. A final call to support them would be taken after meeting with BJP and Shiv Sena chiefs."
MA Khalid, general secretary, All India Milli Council, alleged that the home department had cheated Muslims the most by not revoking the terror charges against innocent Muslims. Moreover, despite various promises, this government had offered the minority development department and Maulana Azad Financial Corporation peanuts."
Encroachment on Waqf Board land and non-establishment of Aligarh Muslim University Campus are among other grievances of these organisations.
"It's the poor who are affected the most if a government fails to deliver. They are angry with the Congress," said Khalid.
Many Muslim intellectual however feel there is no alternative to Congress-NCP for the Muslims to turn to. Fareed Khan, president, Muslim Professors Association, admitted as much when he said: "Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, JDU, RJD, AAP have offered good third alternative to the people in UP, Bihar and Delhi. But Maharashtra has no such alternative front."
Attempts at forming such a Muslim pressure group earlier have not succeeded because of lack of leadership and also because at the ground level, Muslims have always tended to vote for the winnable secular alliance despite clarion calls issued in the name of various organisations.
Opportunism
Political commentator Surendra Jondhale, said: "These organisations have limited influence among people, so their move is not going to have any major impact. The sudden shift in ideology appears to be political opportunism. They should rather mobilize the community towards democratic and secular ideology if they really care for them."
DNA TV Show: Why did BJP pick Rekha Gupta as the next Delhi Chief Minister?
Groom’s rejection of Rs 5 lakh dowry wins in-laws' praise: ‘If educated people don't...'
Tina Ambani redefines beauty in pastel pink lehenga at Aadar Jain-Alekha Advani's mehendi ceremony
‘It started happening to...’: Akshaye Khanna opens up about premature balding in 20s
'Me watching...': Tanmay Bhatt posts sarcastic video amid Ranveer Allahbadia controversy
Who is Rekha Gupta, the new Chief Minister of Delhi?
Rekha Gupta named Delhi Chief Minister, set to succeed Atishi
Amid affair rumours with Abhishek Bachchan, Nimrat Kaur says 'words fail me...'
NHAI clarifies on new FASTag rules, says customers can recharge...
Meet man, who topped IIT-JEE Advanced 2018 with AIR 1, now lives abroad, works at…
Man sues PVR, INOX for wasting time with 25-min ads, wins Rs...
Red Coral and Yellow Sapphire: A Powerful Combination or Not?
Ahead of annual salary hike, Narayana Murthy's Infosys offers lower...
Parthiv Patel's self deprecating humour wins hearts, he was asked about Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma
Ramadan 2025 date: When will crescent moon sighting take place in India and Saudi Arabia?
Mamaearth co-founder Ghazal Alagh says every successful brand has one thing in common, it is...
Neo Ayurveda Resolves 20-Year Migraines and Normalizes TSH in Just 30 Days
After backlash, Netflix cuts Urvashi Rautela's role from Daaku Maharaaj? Here's what we know
Mukesh Ambani's popular brand enters quick e-commerce delivery in UAE, teams up with...
On the Epic 8th Anniversary, Lystloc Launches Advanced LystCRM Solution & Face Rec API
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg gets richer by Rs 118 crore after selling...; his net worth reaches Rs...
Nagaland Lottery Result February 19: Dear Cupid Wednesday lucky draw, check full list
Pak vs NZ, Champions Trophy 2025: Disaster for Pakistan? Fakhar Zaman is off the field in first over
Who was Milind Rege? Former Mumbai stalwart and selector who passed away at 76
Food vlogger, Chatori Rajani's 17-year-old son Taran Jain dies in road accident
Pak vs NZ Dream11 predictions: Check best picks for ICC Champions Trophy 2025's opening match
Varun Dhawan suffers injury, shares photo of deep cut on his finger: 'This one gets...'
Meet man, who joined NVIDIA in 1997, helped it become USD 3 trillion company amid US-China AI war
Asap Rocky found not guilty of shooting at former friend, Rihanna reacts: 'The glory belongs to...'
LIC Smart Pension Plan: Invest Rs 1 lakh and get Rs... every month on maturity, here's how
Influencer recreates Katrina Kaif's dialogue from Tees Maar Khan and it's absolutely on point
Future of Pilot Ejection: Martin-Baker's advanced technology comes to India
Meet Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, Sudha Murty's granddaughters, their famous parents are...
FWICE urges Maharashtra government to make Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna's Chhaava tax-free
Priyanka Chopra gives major Rangeela vibes as she channels her 'inner Urmila Matondkar'
Jamie Lever mimicking Govinda's wife Sunita Ahuja will start your day with laughter
Watch: Priyanka Chopra lands in Mumbai days after brother’s wedding, helps a person on streets by…
'They have a lot more money': Trump questions USD 21 million fund for voter turnout in India
Bank Holiday Today: Banks to remain closed on February 19 in THIS state due to...