NEW DELHI: All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Maulana Badaruddin Ajmal on January 17 strongly criticised the Assam Congress, alleging that the party has historically failed to work for the welfare of Muslims and other minority communities, instead treating them merely as a vote bank.
Launching a blunt political attack, Ajmal accused the Congress leadership of indifference towards Muslim lives and rights. “‘Let the Muslims die, we don’t care; but we need Muslim votes’ this has been the motto of the Congress party,” Ajmal said, triggering sharp political reactions in the state.
Ajmal claimed that the Congress has consistently avoided taking firm positions in defence of minorities, particularly during times of crisis. Referring to recent eviction drives across Assam, he alleged that the Congress leadership maintained silence when minority families were affected.
“During evictions, not a single Congress leader stood up for us or spoke to safeguard minority interests,” Ajmal said, accusing the party of abandoning its traditional support base at critical moments.
Escalating his criticism, the AIUDF chief held the Congress responsible for several policies and developments that, according to him, have disproportionately impacted minorities in Assam.
“Who introduced the IMDT Act? Who laid the groundwork for detention camps, the NRC and the foreigners’ issue? The Congress is responsible for all of these,” Ajmal alleged. He further claimed that the Congress deliberately failed to educate minority communities about these issues to continue “misleading” them for electoral gains.
“Unfortunately, our people do not understand this reality. The Congress never wanted minorities to be aware and educated, because awareness would weaken their control,” he added.
On the question of a pre-poll alliance ahead of upcoming elections, Ajmal said the AIUDF is currently preparing to contest independently but has not shut the door on political understanding.
“As of now, we are planning to contest the elections alone. However, if the Congress wants to come to an understanding, we have no objection,” he said.
Ajmal underlined that defeating the BJP in Assam would require unity among opposition parties. “It is well established that to defeat the BJP, all opposition forces must come together. Unfortunately, the Congress does not seem to understand this political reality,” he remarked.
Apart from political issues, Ajmal also spoke warmly about late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, describing him as a “true artiste” whose music carried deep social messages.
During a late-night AIUDF meeting, Ajmal reportedly asked one of his supporters to sing a Zubeen Garg song. Later, addressing the media, he reflected on his personal relationship with music.
“I am a Maulana, and as a Maulana I cannot directly listen to songs. But if a song is played nearby, I cannot close my ears,” Ajmal said. “I listen occasionally, and I like Zubeen Garg’s songs. There is a message in every song sung by him.”
Zubeen Garg, a cultural icon in Assam, died recently in a tragic scuba diving incident in Singapore, sending shockwaves across the state.
Commenting on controversies involving former minority student leader Rezauddin Karim Sarkar, Ajmal urged restraint and sensitivity in the use of religious terminology, particularly the word ‘jihad’.
“‘Jihad’ is a very holy word,” Ajmal explained. “Our Prophet said that fighting external enemies is a small jihad. The real jihad is fighting one’s inner sins, controlling one’s mind, and making it calm and steady.”
He said he advised Rezaul Karim Sarkar to avoid using such sensitive terms in political discourse. “Instead of words, he should continue his journey through meaningful and constructive actions,” Ajmal added.
