Open Letter to Congress Party Leadership | Holistic Development of Muslims | By Sadananda Ganganabeedu

 

"Congress, Will You Finally Act for the Holistic Development of Muslims?"

Open Letter to Congress Party Leaders in India

Dear Congress Party Leaders,

For decades, Muslims across India have extended their unwavering support to the Congress Party, hoping for transformative actions that uplift their socio-economic status. Yet, this faith has often been met with neglect and symbolic gestures instead of tangible progress. It’s time to ask: will the Congress now finally prioritize the holistic development of the Muslim community?

The Historical Context of Missed Opportunities

Despite being labeled as a party indulging in "Muslim appeasement," Congress has rarely taken decisive steps for the comprehensive development of the Muslim community during its tenure in power. The vision of providing proportional representation in politics, education, and employment has remained an unfulfilled promise.

As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar aptly stated, “Political power is the key to all social progress.” Yet, Muslims, who constitute 14.61% of India’s population (12.92% in Karnataka), continue to lag behind in political representation, education, and employment opportunities. The landmark Sachar Committee Report (2006) highlighted the alarming socio-economic backwardness of Muslims, but its key recommendations remain ignored to this day.

A Sobering Reality

The recent by-election victories in Karnataka, including constituencies like Channapatna and Shiggaon, were heavily supported by Muslim voters, as per electoral analyses. Their near-complete allegiance to Congress in these regions played a decisive role in the party's success. However, this loyalty has not translated into proportional representation or meaningful policy interventions.

For example, Karnataka, where Muslims make up nearly 13% of the population, elected only nine Muslim MLAs in 2023 under Congress. Of them, just two were included in the state cabinet. Such underrepresentation is not new and reflects Congress's reluctance to act boldly for the community’s political empowerment.

The Unfulfilled Promises of the Sachar Committee

The Sachar Committee’s five pivotal recommendations aimed at Muslim socio-economic upliftment are still waiting for implementation:

1. Establishing an Equal Opportunity Commission for fair representation.
2. Increasing Muslim representation in local bodies through nomination processes.
3. Enhancing Muslim participation in public enterprises.
4. Reorganizing constituencies where Muslim populations are significant.
5. Recognizing madrasa qualifications for competitive exams like defense, civil services, and banking.

Despite nearly two decades since these recommendations, little has been done. Meanwhile, Muslims face stagnation in literacy (59.1%), limited employment in organized sectors (23.7%), and overwhelming participation in unorganized labor (76%). These numbers reflect a dire need for urgent action.

A Call for Accountability and Reform

Congress must confront a fundamental question: If you pride yourselves on inclusivity and secularism, why has the political and socio-economic upliftment of Muslims taken a backseat? Why has there been a consistent reduction in Muslim political representation, even within your party?

It is no longer sufficient to rely on temporary welfare schemes like "Shadi Bhagya" or symbolic measures like Tipu Sultan Jayanti. True empowerment comes from political inclusion, educational reform, and economic opportunity.

The Path Forward

We urge Congress to adopt a bold and decisive approach:

1. Implement the Sachar Committee Recommendations: Show your commitment through actionable policies.
2. Proportional Representation: Reflect Muslim demographics in candidacies and leadership roles.
3. Educational Empowerment: Invest in scholarships, infrastructure, and madrasa modernization.
4. Economic Inclusion: Strengthen Muslim participation in public and private enterprises.
5. Transparency in Policy Execution: Regularly communicate progress to the community.

A Final Word

The Congress Party must recognize that the trust and unconditional support of Muslims are not entitlements but opportunities to uplift a marginalized community. The path to genuine inclusivity lies in action, not rhetoric.

Let this moment be a turning point for Congress to repay the trust reposed in it by the Muslim community and renew its commitment to justice, equality, and empowerment.

With thanks,

Letter Written By Sadananda Ganganabeedu ಸದಾನಂದ ಗಂಗನಬೀಡು | Journalist, Author

On behalf of Concerned Citizens for Equity and Progress

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Translated and Reframed by: RafeeQ Jabbar Naqshbandi