Mumbai, May 19: The Maharashtra Democratic Forum (MDF) has issued a call to the public, urging them to vote in order to maintain a climate free from fear and intimidation. In a press release, the forum emphasized the critical importance of ensuring 100% voter turnout for the protection of democracy, a bright future, and prosperity.
The MDF highlighted the necessity of restoring the democratic system, which they believe has been significantly weakened by the current government, resulting in the decline of public institutions. They expressed concerns that if the current government were to secure a third term, it could spell the end of democracy, potentially eliminating future elections altogether.
Discussing the current state of the nation, the MDF pointed out that dissent is being stifled, and differing opinions are being branded as anti-national. Such practices, they argue, are unacceptable in a democratic and pluralistic society. To change this environment, they stressed the importance of fully utilizing the power of the vote, ensuring no vote goes to waste. They also called for assistance to be provided to women and the elderly in reaching polling stations, underscoring that every single vote has the potential to significantly impact the nation’s destiny.
The joint press release included statements from notable leaders and organizations, such as Maulana Hafiz Ilyas Khan Falahi, Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Maharashtra; Maulana Dr. Mahmood Ahmed Daryabadi, General Secretary of Ulama Council; Abu Asim Azmi, MLA and President of Samajwadi Party Maharashtra; Maulana Hafiz Syed Athar, President of Ulama Association Mumbai; Maulana Haleemullah Qasmi, General Secretary of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Maharashtra; Farid Sheikh, President of the Aman Committee Mumbai; Abdul Hafeez Patrakar from Jalna; Maulana Zaheer Abbas Rizvi, Vice President of the Shia Personal Law Board; Dr. Saeed Ahmed Faizi, General Secretary of Jamiat Ahle Hadith Maharashtra; Maulana Mufti Huzefa Qasmi, Director of the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Maharashtra; Maulana Agha Ruh Zafar, Imam of Khoja Jamaat Mumbai; Maulana Anees Ashrafi of Raza Foundation Mumbai; Maulana Nizamuddin Fakhruddin, Member of the Muslim Personal Law Board Pune; Humayun Sheikh, Director of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Mumbai; Sheikh Abdul Mujeeb, Convenor of MDF; and Shakir Sheikh, Co-Convenor of MDF.
