As a large part of the MVM alliance, the Congress party’s approach towards minority communities has long been characterized by policies that are often seen as appeasement. Historically, the Congress has avoided undermining the support of other groups to give priority to minorities, as seen in cases such as granting reservation to minorities from the OBC quota in Karnataka. This trend has led the BJP to allege that in its focus on minority communities, the Congress has marginalized other religions, including Hindus.
For example, the Congress supported the Khilafat Movement, which was a campaign that primarily addressed Muslim concerns. During the partition of India, its stance was often seen to favor Muslim interests, even when tensions arose with Hindu communities. Mahatma Gandhi’s insistence that Hindu refugees from Pakistan should not seek refuge in mosques, often cited by BJP leaders, is an example of this. Additionally, after independence, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s policies were seen as inclined towards Muslim interests, including notable decisions such as placing the Kashmir region under the Sheikh Abdullah family.
BJP leaders often argue that the Congress has given leeway to laws like the Muslim Personal Law Board and Shariat, avoiding challenging practices like triple talaq. He claims that Congress has also been instrumental in limiting the rights of Muslim women, as can be seen from its stance against granting alimony. In fact, the Supreme Court decision supporting maintenance allowance for Muslim women in the Shah Bano case was overturned by the Rajiv Gandhi government.
The BJP often cites the Shah Bano case as evidence of Congress’s alignment with certain aspects of Muslim interests. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s claim that the minority community has the ‘first right’ over the country’s resources is another example that the BJP often highlights. Additionally, during the Lok Sabha elections, Congress leaders advocated equitable distribution of the country’s wealth. Recently, Congress’s opposition to the Waqf Reform Bill has also become a subject of controversy.
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Demands of All India Muslim Personal Law Board
All India Ulema Board has announced its support to Congress. There is discussion going on that in return Congress has promised to fulfill 17 demands of the Ulema Board. Congress leader Digvijay Singh has advised Maharashtra State Congress President Nana Patole to be patient on this.
Riot cases against Muslim youth withdrawn, funds to Waqf Board
The Ulema Board has demanded a fund of Rs 1,000 crore to the Maharashtra Waqf Board if Congress comes to power. As per the demand of the Ulemas, the cases against all the Muslim children who were involved in the riots between 2012-2024 will be withdrawn. This is an attempt to give an open field to the anti-social elements. At other times, why are people who insist on the rule of law and the Constitution giving separate justice to Muslims involved in criminal cases and separate justice to others, such a question is now being asked by BJP leaders. The government does not pay salaries to the priests present in Hindu temples or Christian community churches.
Demand to give priority to Muslim children in police recruitment
Movement for reservation has started. But there has been a demand to give priority to Muslim children in police recruitment. If the Congress government comes to power, there is also a demand to include Mufti, Maulana, Imam, Talim and Hafiz of All India Ulema Board in the government committee.
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Demand to ban Sangh from Congress
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is an organization with nationalist ideology. If a natural disaster occurs anywhere in the country, the volunteers of the Sangh reach the spot. Sangh volunteers are working across the country with dedicated spirit. At the same time, when the Congress government came to power, the RSS And assurance has been sought to ban other Hindutva organizations. Besides, a demand has also been made to Congress to put Hindu saint Ramgiri Maharaj in jail.
Demand for monthly salary for Imam, Mufti
At present, unemployment has reached its peak, which is affecting every section of the society. Youth from every background are looking for government jobs. Meanwhile, the Congress and Mahavikas Aghadi alliance has been urged to give a monthly salary of fifteen thousand rupees to the Imams and Muftis in Maharashtra if they come to power. This expectation highlights the perception that Congress is engaged in appeasement politics.
