New Delhi, May 28: As the 18th Lok Sabha elections draw to a close, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) President Syed Sadatullah Husaini expressed deep concerns over the erosion of electoral norms, citing moral degradation, communal polarization, and the collapse of democratic institutions. Speaking at a program titled “How Traditional and Unusual is the Current 18th Parliamentary Election?” at the JIH headquarters, Husaini highlighted the serious issues plaguing the electoral process.
Husaini criticized the decline in moral standards, noting the rampant use of false statements, fake news, and abusive language by political leaders. He lamented the loss of decorum traditionally maintained by national leaders during elections.
The JIH president also condemned the overt use of communal and sectarian slurs in campaign rhetoric. “Not only veiled language but very openly and clearly, communal and bigoted slurs have been used in these elections,” he remarked.
Highlighting the collapse of democratic institutions, Husaini pointed to the political roles played by the election commission, judiciary, media, Enforcement Directorate, and the Central Bureau of Investigation during the elections. He called this development “highly deplorable.”
Addressing the Muslim community’s political marginalization, Husaini urged introspection and the formation of a mainstream agenda focused on the country’s progress, including economic elevation, justice, equality for marginalized communities, police reform, and judicial improvement. He emphasized the need for negotiations with political parties based on this agenda.
Despite the challenges, Husaini expressed optimism that the elections could bring positive changes, encouraging the Muslim community to play a vital role in the mainstream rather than remain isolated.
Senior Journalist Urges Muslim Community to Form Pressure Group
Abdul Majid Nizami, group editor of Roznama Rashtriya Sahara, echoed Husaini’s concerns and called on the Muslim community to form a pressure group to negotiate with political parties before casting their votes. Speaking at the JIH event, Nizami emphasized the strategic significance of the 2024 elections and the diminishing importance of Muslims in politics since 2014.
Nizami highlighted the declining representation of Muslims in Parliament and the reluctance of secular parties to allocate tickets to Muslim candidates. He proposed the establishment of a think tank to develop political and social strategies for the community and negotiate representation based on population ratios.
He commended the Muslim community’s political maturity and resilience, particularly in avoiding provocations during the election campaigns. Despite facing accusations and marginalization, the community has consistently contributed to maintaining India’s plural fabric and avoiding negative reactions, frustrating sectarian political leaders.
Nizami emphasized the need for a comprehensive poll strategy, including conditional voting and pressure on secular parties to ensure adequate representation of Muslims. He also praised the community’s efforts to unify and strategically guide their vote, which has strengthened India’s democracy.
As the nation awaits the election results on June 4, Nizami and Husaini’s remarks underscore the urgent need to address moral degradation, communal polarization, and the erosion of democratic norms in India’s electoral process.
