On a recent visit to Mangaluru, human rights activist and author Harsh Mander appealed to the Congress governments in Karnataka, Telangana, and Kerala to deliver on their election promises. Mander, a former IAS officer, was responding to a report by the Karnataka State Muslim Federation, which assessed the Congress government’s progress in fulfilling its pre-2023 election commitments. He emphasized that the performance of these governments is under scrutiny not just from Muslims, but from all proponents of secular democracy and equality.
Mander commended the Karnataka government’s decision to revoke the previous BJP government’s ban on wearing the hijab in educational institutions. He highlighted the distinction between Indian secularism and the French model, stressing that Indian secularism safeguards individuals’ right to wear the hijab if they choose to. Mander criticized the previous BJP government for infringing upon this right and welcomed the Congress government’s move to withdraw the ban.
Expressing concern over the decline in educational opportunities for minorities, Mander noted that the Muslim community is the only major community in India that has seen a decrease in higher education enrollment over the last decade. He attributed this decline to the central government’s cancellation of scholarship schemes at various levels. Mander urged the Congress governments to restore scholarships for minority students pursuing school, higher, and research education.
Mander also expressed concern over the oppression and violence faced by Muslims since the Narendra Modi government came to power. He noted that several minority welfare schemes have been reduced or discontinued over the last 12 years. With Congress now in power in Karnataka, Telangana, and Kerala, Mander said that expectations from these governments have increased, and minority communities are closely watching their actions.
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📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK