– Abdul Bari Masoud
Madurai/New Delhi – Thousands gathered in Madurai on Saturday in a major rally led by Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) President and MLA Prof. Dr. M.H. Jawahirullah. The rally demanded proportional political representation for Muslims and the repeal of the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025. It also highlighted concerns related to minorities, secularism, and democracy.
The rally stretched over four kilometers, from P.C. Perungayam Junction to Amma Thidal near Vandiyur Toll Plaza. Supporters carried party flags, banners, and placards. They chanted slogans demanding justice, protection of Waqf properties, and Muslim rights.
At the South Zone Public Conference, Prof. Jawahirullah said the struggle was to protect secularism and defend minority rights. He called the Waqf Amendment Act unconstitutional. He alleged that the Umeed Portal was a tool to loot Muslim endowments.
He pointed out that Muslims form over 16% of the population but have only 24 MPs in the 2024 Lok Sabha. “We should have at least 80 Muslim MPs,” he said. In Chennai Corporation, only 4 out of 200 councillors are Muslim, despite Muslims forming 10% of the population. He urged DMK, Congress, and AIADMK to correct this imbalance.
He strongly opposed the Waqf Act amendments. He warned of mass protests if the Act is not repealed. He compared the possible agitation to the farmers’ movement.
Retired IPS officer and author Abdur Rahman spoke at the event. He referenced his book, Absent in Politics and Power: Political Exclusion of Indian Muslims. He said Muslims have faced political exclusion since independence.
In 17 Lok Sabha elections from 1952 to 2019, Muslim MPs formed only 5.78% of Parliament. In 2024, Muslims have just 25 MPs, although 78 seats are due to match their population share. This means 70% deprivation, Rahman said. When Muslims are under-represented, their issues like CAA, triple talaq, and Waqf Act get ignored, he added.
Rahman gave data on Tamil Nadu. Muslims form 6% of the state population but have elected only 93 MLAs out of 3,644 in 16 assembly elections. That’s just 2.55%. He said Muslims deserve 193 MLAs to match their share.
He added that Muslim candidates are rarely given key portfolios like Home, Finance, or Industries. He emphasized that secular parties sideline Muslims.
Rahman said the time has come for a separate Muslim political platform. Such a party should support all deprived groups—farmers, Dalits, and laborers—and uphold secular and constitutional values. He described MMK as a model for inclusive Muslim politics.
He praised MMK’s work for Dalits, OBCs, and others while focusing on Muslims. MMK is part of a secular alliance and upholds democratic values.
Rahman and Jawahirullah both criticized secular parties for not giving Muslims fair representation. Rahman said Muslims vote to defeat communal forces, often supporting non-Muslim candidates. He urged secular parties to reward that support.
He recalled Tamil Nadu’s justice legacy, like the 1921 Communal G.O. by the Justice Party. He mentioned Periyar’s struggle that led to the First Constitutional Amendment in 1951. Periyar fought exploitation, not religion, Rahman clarified.
The event marked not just a protest but a political awakening. MMK sent a clear message to national and regional parties that Muslim voices cannot be ignored.
Nine Resolutions Passed at the Conference:
1. Proportional Political Representation
Amend the Representation of the People Act. Muslims hold only 296 of 4,123 MLA seats—just 7.18%. Ensure fair representation in all elected bodies.
2. Repeal Waqf Amendment Act, 2025
The Act is unconstitutional. Repeal it immediately. Stop coercive registration via the Umeed Portal.
3. Reservation in the Private Sector
With rising privatization, MMK demanded laws to ensure job reservations for backward groups in private firms.
4. Abolish EVMs
Demand return to paper ballots. EVMs’ credibility is in question due to reports of inaccurate vote counts.
5. End Genocide in Palestine
Condemn Israel’s Gaza offensive. Over 57,000 lives lost since October 2023. Criticize India’s silence and ongoing trade with Israel.
6. Condemn VP Dhankhar’s Remarks
Oppose Vice President’s call to drop “Secular” and “Socialist” from the Constitution. It’s an attack on Indian democracy.
7. Remove Communal Content in Textbooks
MMK alleged bias in Tamil university books. They demanded removal of anti-Muslim content, especially in history sections.
8. Justice for Muslim Undertrials
Highlight torture of prisoners like Bakruddin, Bilal Malik, and Panna Ismail in Puzhal Prison. Demand bail and action against officers.
9. Protect Thirupparankundram Dargah
Oppose efforts to alter status of Sikandar Auliya Dargah. Demand state government ensure protection under Places of Worship Act, 1991.
As the nation moves into a politically sensitive period, the Madurai rally stands as a strong call for justice, fair representation, and constitutional values.
