Muslim representation poor in legislative bodies - B. A. Moideen

Muslim representation poor in legislative bodies - B. A. Moideen

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, May 19: In his inaugural address, delivered after inaugurating the felicitation function held in honor of elected representatives belonging to the Muslim community in DK by Akhila Bharatha Beary Parishad at Town Hall on Thursday, B. A. Moideen, the former state minister for education, expressed his discontentment over poor Muslim representation in legislative bodies because of certain political parties dividing Muslim votes.

















Speaking further, he said that the Muslim representation in Parliament, Assembly, and local administrative bodies is poor compared to the Muslim population in India. He said that there are only 36 MPs and 2 MLAs although the population of Muslims in India is 14 percent, adding that there should have been at least 74 MPs and 12 MLAs. He added that Muslims have always been under represented at the administrative level.

Urging elected representatives to be transparent, corruption-free, and secular, Moideen said that local administrative bodies can connect with the people in a special manner. He also appreciated the efforts of Abdul Nazeer, the chief architect of the Panchayat Raj, and Rajiv Gandhi, the former prime minister, to implement self-government systems in a bid to decentralize power.

Speaking on the occasion, Y. Abdulla Kunhi, the president of the Kendra Jumma Masjid in Mangalore, said that Muslim representatives must analyze reasons for failure of Muslim candidates in elections. He condemned the habit of certain political parties of dividing Muslim votes by nominating dummy Muslim leaders just when real Muslim leaders contest for the elections. He also voiced his opinion that lack of leadership among Muslims is the real reason for Muslim under representation in administrative bodies.

K. S. M. Masood, the president of the Muslim Central Committee, also condemned the “division of votes” policy. B. A. Mohammed Haneef, the working president of the parishad, delivered a seminar titled “Political Representation of Muslim Community.”

Around 429 elected representatives of Zilla Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat, Town Panchayat, Mangalore City Corporation, and Gram Panchayat were felicitated on this occasion.

Ibrahim Kodijal, the vice president of the Muslim Central Committee; G. A. Bava, the retired police officer; B. M. Farooq, the president of Bearys Welfare Association; Azeez Baikampady; M. B. Abdul Rahman, the president of the Karnataka Beary Sahithya Academy; B. M. Mumthaz Ali; U. K. Monu Kanachur; Mohammed Kunjathabail; and many others were present.