By Rehan Ansari, TwoCircles.net,
Mumbai: Dr. B R Ambedkar, the architect of Indian Constitution suggested that political power is the master Key that can open all the doors of progress. Taking a cue, Muslim youths of Mumbai have united for political empowerment. Leaving the sectarian differences aside, Muslim youths have come together and intend to play a decisive role in a political churning taking place in India.
Symbolizing the aspiration of Youths in India, Muslim youth in Mumbai, from various walks of life, social organizations and various sects gathered and initiated a process for empowerment, beginning with a survey to understand the needs of the community and also their perception of the current leadership.
File photo
Javed Shaikh, a youth associated with the process explained that the community is gripped in a feeling of political seclusion due to the failure of existing secular political leadership and the strategies adopted by various Muslim organizations and leadership.
“See the Representation of 13% Muslim population in the 16th Loksabha, its reduced to the lowest level of 22 MPs out of total 542, that is less than 5%. From Maharashtra not a single Muslim MP has been elected out of 48,” he said, adding, “It is something, we feel, is against the spirit of our Constitution.”
Elaborating on the lack of Muslim leadership from the grass-root to the top of the hierarchy, that compels them to follow the high command rather than serving the community’s interest, according to him, he adds, “We like to reverse the process, from bottom to top, and develop the leadership with huge public following that automatically will reverse the political process.”
So are they planning to launch another Muslim political party?
Amir Edresy, another youth associated with the nascent movement, replies “It is premature to address any question like this. We are working on a survey at present and would like to appeal to the people to respond to it constructively.”
He, however, did not shun the idea completely as he added, “What difference does that make? If Muslims can follow Hindu and Sikhs and others in political parties, I see no reason why non-Muslims will have any hesitation in working under a Muslim leader who is truly working for the nation.”
Pointing to the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), he asked that if there can be a political party aiming to give political voices to Sikhs, why can’t there be a Muslim Political Party. He reminded that the SAD is part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
He made it clear though that they do not want to further polarize the polity but only want to work towards getting the constitutional rights of Muslims back.
Maharashtra is going for Assembly polls sometime in October this year. To begin with the group is conducting an online survey on “Relevance of Muslims in Upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections,” and they have urged the members of the Muslim community to fill the survey to help them take next step. (Those interested can fill the survey here)
The aspirations and desire of youths demanding change is, no doubt, a positive sign, but is the leadership listening?