– Abdul Wahed
Hyderabad, Telangana, October 20, 2023: As the general elections draw near, five states, including Telangana, are gearing up for polling. In Telangana, Muslim voters find themselves at a crossroads, debating whether to vote for the Congress or BRS. Telangana has enjoyed a relatively peaceful tenure under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao, who has consistently promoted communal harmony, often invoking the concept of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb. He has been swift in quelling communal tensions, as demonstrated by the immediate arrest of BJP MLA Raja Singh when he made derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. However, the Muslim community is discontented due to his failure to deliver on promised reservations and political representation. Rao has also been seen as aligning with the BJP on various issues.
On the other hand, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is gaining popularity and is viewed as a promising leader with widespread charisma. Many Muslims are eager to oust the BJP at the national level, making them inclined to vote for the Congress. Meanwhile, BRS has shown an unwavering commitment to combat communalism. However, this division in votes may inadvertently benefit the BJP in the upcoming elections. Muslim dilemma is real.
Muslim intellectuals, entities, organizations, and leaders actively promote the idea of making informed choices when casting votes. At the forefront of this effort is the Movement for Peace and Justice (MPJ), an organization dedicated to guiding the Muslim community and the wider electorate regarding the significance of making thoughtful decisions during elections. Following the announcement of the election schedule in Telangana, MPJ issued an advisory and initiated a campaign aimed at educating voters about the judicious exercise of their voting power.
MPJ released a heartfelt appeal to all voters, urging them to carefully consider their choices before casting their votes. They encouraged every voter to participate as early as possible and to vote for candidates who align with the principles of unity and justice. MPJ strongly advised against supporting divisive, partisan, fascist, prejudiced and communal candidates, as well as those who promote hatred or exhibit a lack of education and selfish motives.
Furthermore, MPJ counseled all voters to thoroughly assess the feasibility of election promises and evaluate the current state of schools, primary health centers, roads, water supply, sewage systems, and other essential services. It encouraged voters to engage with the candidates, questioning them about their plans and commitments if elected.
Mohammed Abdul Aziz, President, MPJ, Telangana has issued a clear and resolute caution. With unwavering determination, he strongly urges the voters to exercise utmost caution in their political decisions as the upcoming election draws near. His stern advice acts as a wake-up call, encouraging citizens to avoid supporting or associating with any political group that lends its support to fascist and sectarian factions.
MPJ is a social organization established to advocate for the long-anticipated enhancement of the quality of life and well-being. The Movement for Peace & Justice (MPJ) was founded in 2005 to address societal issues and realize specific objectives. It has set up 72 units across all districts in Telangana, with its headquarters in Hyderabad, boasting approximately 8000 active members. It operates as a non-political, non-governmental pressure group within the democratic framework of our nation, dedicated to fostering peace, harmony, justice, and security.
Guided by Mr. Abdul Aziz’s leadership, MPJ is actively hosting numerous programs and supporting various like-minded organizations. On August 26, 2023, Hyderabad welcomed Mr. Yogendra Yadav, a renowned psephologist, social scientist, and former Head of the Swaraj Party. In collaboration with Jago Telangana, MPJ organized an interactive discussion, which drew the participation of social activists and members of civil society. This event provided a platform for attendees to delve into the intricacies of our society and political landscape.
In a recent initiative, MPJ launched an extensive Social and Political Awareness Drive. This endeavor was designed to encompass a range of strategic activities, aiming to raise civic awareness and encourage active involvement. The campaign employed a multifaceted approach, including insightful dialogues, door-to-door outreach, and collaboration with like-minded organizations. With a strong emphasis on upholding democratic values and promoting inclusivity, the campaign aimed to shed light on critical socio-political issues, emphasizing unity and advocating fundamental rights. This groundbreaking initiative represents a substantial stride towards establishing a better-informed society, actively involved and characterized by harmony.
MPJ has played a significant role in acquainting the public with government initiatives and making them accessible for the betterment of society. Over the past 17 years, MPJ has effectively addressed public and social issues. The organization conducts extensive statewide protests, sit-ins, and rallies to advocate for the constitutional rights of all minority groups and to push for the fulfilment of the promised 12% reservation for Muslims in government employment and education.
In fact, the fundamental aim behind MPJ’s formation is to address the social, economic, and political challenges citizens face, especially in a climate where communal and fascist influences have gained ground, resulting in a climate of fear. MPJ consistently strives to shield people from such influences.
Moreover, MPJ is dedicated to raising awareness among the public, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of the everyday challenges they encounter and empowering them to take informed steps toward resolution.
MPJ communicates with the district collector to bring attention to unresolved public issues that require solutions. The organization also engages in outreach efforts to inform the local rural population about the healthcare services offered at primary health centers, aiming to raise awareness.
MPJ’s representatives visit old age homes and individuals who are elderly and live alone, offering support and companionship. The organization calls for the enactment of proper laws to rectify the unfair practice of incarcerating individuals on false accusations, only to have them later exonerated by the court.
Additionally, MPJ extends legal and financial aid to facilitate the release of prisoners who have been granted bail by the court but remain incarcerated due to financial constraints and those detained for extended periods without formal charges. It also provides financial assistance for the release of first-time offenders who have completed their sentences but face challenges in paying fines.
Furthermore, the organization offers monetary support to deserving spouses and children of individuals serving life sentences. It’s important to note that MPJ does not, and will not, assist habitual offenders.
MPJ advocates for the government to compensate farmers reasonably for losses incurred due to counterfeit seeds and fertilizers. It also calls for increased budget allocations to ensure better arrangements for Muslim prisoners in all jails during Ramadan, specifically concerning food provisions for Sehri and Iftar.
In the upcoming 2024 general elections, MPJ is committed to thwarting any tendencies toward polarization. It firmly upholds the principles of secularism, recognizing the secular fabric as the primary defense against divisive forces. It has initiated various awareness programs through public gatherings and distributing informative pamphlets to educate the public. The goal is to ensure that every eligible voter exercises their right to vote diligently.
Considering previous elections that reported certain instances of electronic voting machine (EVM) misuse, MPJ is actively working to raise awareness among the public and candidates, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in protecting their rights. The organization also encourages prompt reporting to the Election Commission if any irregularities are observed.
MPJ is dedicated to fostering awareness on various issues, including equal rights, religious freedom, gender equality, poverty, healthcare, education, corruption, unemployment, caste-based discrimination, and mob violence.
