MUHAMMED HAMDULLAH SAYEED, having won the election to the 18th Lok Sabha from Lakshadweep, is determined to carry forward the rich political legacy of his father, P.M. Sayeed. At the age of 26, Hamdullah was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha in 2009 as the youngest MP. P.M. Sayeed, the first and only parliamentarian from Lakshadweep to become a Cabinet Minister, served in various capacities, including Union Minister of State for Steel, Coal and Mines, Home Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. In an interview with MOHD NAUSHAD KHAN, Hamdullah Sayeed discusses the factors behind his recent victory, the challenges ahead, and his plans for Lakshadweep.
What was the biggest factor in your victory?
We were out of power for the last 10 years. In 2014, I lost the election and again in 2019 with a very narrow margin. In the last 10 years, we worked very hard and carried out a door-to-door campaign. But unfortunately, we could not market all what we did and failed to capitalize on it with the local common people about our policies and approach. Because of that, we failed to create an impact among the people and lost two elections.
All developmental processes, social welfare schemes, and benefits initiated or completed by my late father P.M. Sayeed, who represented the constituency ten times, were taken away. Issues like land, employment, education, healthcare, and disengagement of contractual employees suffered because the then MP failed to intervene as needed. He could not influence, intervene, or interfere in crucial issues.
In the 2024 election, there was strong resentment against the policies and inaction of the sitting MP Mohammad Faizal of NCP. Today, unemployment in Lakshadweep is one of the highest in the country, whereas it was ranked 43rd earlier. This was due to the inaction of the sitting MP and his failure to address issues with the regime and administration.
This time, we worked very hard and effectively communicated our policies to the people. We focused on local issues, which worked effectively. People believed in me and the assurances we gave regarding welfare schemes and developmental work. I aim to strengthen my father’s legacy and use the experience I gained from him to serve the people better.
As an MP, what do you think are the challenges before you, keeping in mind your constituency and the people’s needs?
We have gone 50 years back. Things were totally different when I left as an MP ten years ago. During my period, people were well-off, had jobs, their own things, and their say on everything. But in the last 10 years, things have changed. Nearly 4,000 people have been disengaged. We have many challenges, including creating employment opportunities for our youth, improving the medical setup, ensuring a good education system, and addressing land issues. We have already filed a case in the High Court of Kerala and fortunately got a stay. Opponents were trying to take away our land, and we are fighting in court.
For the next five years, what will be your short and long-term plans for your constituency?
The long-term plan would be the development of the islands, creating employment opportunities for our youth, improving the lifestyle of the people, increasing per capita income, and ensuring medical facilities. In both the short and long term, we will be fighting for our lands.
Has the present hate-filled atmosphere in the country in any way impacted your constituency?
In our constituency, a majority of people are Muslims, more than 96 percent, so the atmosphere of hate and violence has not affected us. We believe in secularism, work as per the guidance of the Constitution, and always try to preserve and protect constitutional values. We never compromise on our constitutional values.
From 22nd July, there will be a budget session. What issues would you like to raise in parliament?
The land issue is a burning issue for all the people here because we don’t want our land to be taken from us. I will definitely raise it in parliament if I get a chance. Besides land issues, there are many other issues, such as transportation and shipping. There are many pending issues, but the land issue is paramount, and I will leave no stone unturned to fight for it.
