Maharashtra Congress leader Muhammed Arif ‘Naseem’ Khan has stepped down from the party’s campaign committee, citing dissatisfaction over the party’s decision not to nominate any Muslim candidates in the state for the Lok Sabha elections.
In a letter addressed to party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Khan expressed disappointment that the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance did not field any Muslim candidates across the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.
Khan highlighted the expectations of numerous Muslim organisations, leaders, and party workers who were anticipating the Congress to nominate at least one candidate from the minority community. He conveyed the sentiment that while the Congress seeks Muslim votes, the absence of Muslim candidates raises questions among the community.
In his letter, Khan underscored his inability to provide satisfactory answers to the queries posed by Muslim leaders and workers regarding the party’s stance on representation. Consequently, he announced his decision to step down from the Maharashtra Congress Campaign Committee.
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The discontentment arises amid the Congress contesting 17 out of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).
Khan, who was a contender for a ticket from Mumbai North Central, expressed disappointment over the party’s selection of Varsha Gaikwad for the constituency.
Speaking to a news agency, Khan highlighted the perceived deviation from the Congress’s traditional ideology of inclusivity, expressing concern over the party’s departure from its principle of providing representation to all communities.
His resignation comes on the heels of the NDA constituents alleging Muslim appeasement by the Congress.
