The trajectory of the Congress party’s engagement with Muslim politics from 2004 to 2014 has emerged as a focal point of scrutiny, shedding light on the party’s approach towards minority communities. This retrospective analysis unveils a series of significant events and policy decisions that have shaped perceptions and raised questions about Congress’s agenda in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Repeal of POTA (2004): In 2004, the Congress-led government repealed the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), a move criticised by many for allegedly weakening India’s counter-terrorism measures. The repeal of POTA was followed by a decade marked by regular terrorist attacks across the country, prompting concerns about national security.
Sachar Commission (2006): The appointment of the Sachar Commission in 2006 to survey Muslims in jobs, including within the Armed Forces, signalled Congress’s efforts towards addressing issues of representation and inclusion among minority communities.
Manmohan Singh’s Statement (2006): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s assertion that “minorities, particularly Muslim minorities, have the first claim to resources” underscored Congress’s commitment to prioritising minority groups’ needs and concerns.
‘Saffron Terror’ Narrative (2007): The Congress ecosystem’s propagation of the ‘Saffron Terror’ narrative in 2007, following the discovery of a Pakistani terror plot, raised questions about the party’s political motivations and its impact on communal tensions.
Batla House Encounter (2008): The controversial Batla House encounter in 2008 saw Congress leaders besmirching police officers involved, claiming the encounter was fake. Allegations surfaced that Sonia Gandhi expressed distress after viewing images of the encounter.
Affidavit on Ishrat Jahan (2009): In 2009, the Congress-led Home Ministry, under P Chidambaram filed an affidavit suggesting that Ishrat Jahan, a suspected terrorist, was, in fact, a wronged individual. Congress ecosystem then anointed her as a heroine.
Allegations of RSS Conspiracy in 26/11 Attacks (2010): In 2010, Digvijay Singh stirred controversy by releasing a book alleging that the 26/11 Mumbai attacks were orchestrated by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), despite the capture of Ajmal Kasab, one of the attackers, alive.
Communal Violence Bill (2011): The National Advisory Council (NAC), under the stewardship of Sonia Gandhi, proposed the Communal Violence Bill, raising fears of Hindu citizens being relegated to second-class status within their own country.
As the 2024 elections are underway, the Congress party’s track record on Muslim politics between 2004 and 2014 serves as a critical lens through which to analyse its potential agenda. Amidst discussions of wealth redistribution and affirmative action in its manifesto, Congress’s approach towards minority communities continues to be closely scrutinised, with implications for the future direction of Indian politics.
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