By Rehan Ansari, TwoCircles.net,
Mumbai: Ulema and community leaders in Maharashtra have demanded 20% quota within the proposed state women quota of 50% in all local bodies. On the eve of the Budget session of Maharashtra Assembly, Ulema and leaders met on Sunday in Islam Gymkhana here in Mumbai to discuss the bill that will reserve 50% seats for women in the local self government bodies.
Most of the leaders present were upset with the proposal saying that Muslim representation in Parliament, Assemblies and municipal bodies is fast decreasing and the latest proposal will further marginalize the community.
L-R: Saeed Hamid, Editor, Rashtirya Sahara, Mumbai, ALi M Shamshi, Maulan Mehmood Daryabadi, Mufit Salim Akhtar
Recently, the state cabinet of Congress-NCP alliance government approved a bill granting 50% seats in all the local Municipal bodies. The bill is most likely to be tabled in the ongoing session of the Assembly for approval.
After a long discussion the community leaders decided to demand 20% seats for Muslim women within the 50% reservation for women.
After examining the experience of 33% reservation for women in Panchayats and other local bodies, Sayeed Hameed, Editor, Roznama, Rashtirya Sahara, Mumbai said, “In the name of women reservation Political Mafia of our country is creating Proxy Leadership which is against the spirit of democracy.”
He was referring to sisters, wives, daughters and daughters-in-law of politicians who are getting elected to Panchayats and Assemblies in different parts of the country.
He said, “We must take a cue from the experiences of UP, Bihar and other states of the country where members of politician’s family are in the panchayats, other local bodies and Assemblies and the Mukhiyas of the families are the MPs.”
Farida Mansoori, who fought a Corporation election and lost with very thin margin said, “Today even Muslim men are unable to get their share of power, how can a Muslim woman compete?”
Farida Mansoori, speaking in a Public Meeting on 50% Women Rerservation in Maharashtra
Discussing other options available against the proposal, Farid Khan, Secretary Qaumi Majlise Shoora suggested that a legal option is also available. He said, “There must be some limit to the reservations. Many seats are already reserved for SCs, STs and OBCs and this proposal will be devastating for the weaker sections of the society.”
Salma Baig, Member of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, opposed the proposal saying that Allah has made men and women for different purposes. Women must brought up and educate good citizens, Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers of countries and states.
Commenting about the equality among men and women Salma Baig said, “It’s not about equality, it’s about justice. Equality all the time can’t produce justice.”
Abu Asim Azmi, President Samajwadi Party Maharashtra and Ulema like Mufti Salim AKhtar, Syed Athar Ali, Maulana Mehmood Daryabadi also enlightened the audience.