Aina India News*Jamaat-e-Islami Hind raises serious Concerns Over Election Process and Post Poll violence, urges govt to adopt inclusive, people centeric agenda for development*
Jamaat also express concern over rising Inflation and Heatwave Crisis in the country
New Delhi: The top leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has expressed serious concern over recent political and socio-economic developments, including the conduct of Assembly elections, post poll violence in West Bengal, rising inflation, and the growing heatwave crisis affecting large sections of the population.
Addressing the media at the monthly press conference, JIH Vice President Malik Mohtasim Khan spoke on the recently declared Assembly election results in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. He stated that while new governments are set to assume office in some states and others have been re-elected, there is a pressing need for all governments to adopt an inclusive, responsible, and people-centric approach to governance. He emphasized that the country is currently facing serious challenges such as economic stress, unemployment, rising cost of living, and issues related to education, development, and social justice, which require immediate and substantive attention rather than symbolic measures. He also urged the authorities to immediately restore law and order in West Bengal and take action against people involved in post poll violence in the state. Malik Mohtasim Khan expressed serious concern over the conduct of elections, particularly in West Bengal, citing reports related to voter list revisions, allegations of disenfranchisement of marginalized communities, and misuse of administrative machinery. He noted that the use of polarising narratives during campaigns has vitiated the democratic atmosphere and created doubts about the fairness of the electoral process. Similar concerns were raised about the use of money power, propaganda, and divisive language in other states, especially Assam. He stressed that such practices weaken democratic values and called for elections to reflect neutrality, transparency, and accountability. He further highlighted concerns regarding the role of institutions responsible for safeguarding the electoral process, stating that any perception of bias or institutional weakness damages public confidence. He also observed that parties claiming to uphold secular and democratic values have failed to present a united front due to internal divisions, weakening their ability to counter divisive forces. He called upon opposition parties to play a constructive and responsible role by holding governments accountable while also presenting a clear, issue-based alternative vision.
Speaking on rising inflation, JIH Vice President Prof. Salim Engineer expressed deep concern over the increasing prices of essential commodities and the growing financial burden on citizens. He noted that the rise in LPG prices, fuel costs, and electricity charges has led to higher transportation and food prices, significantly affecting households, small businesses, and lower and middle-income groups. These trends, he said, are reducing purchasing power and increasing economic strain. Prof. Salim Engineer pointed out that inflationary pressures are linked to rising input costs, fuel prices, and global energy disruptions, indicating a sustained build-up of inflation. He urged the government to adopt a calibrated approach, including stabilising fuel prices through fiscal measures such as reduction in excise duties and rationalisation of VAT. He also suggested exploring the inclusion of petrol and diesel under GST for long-term stability, along with strengthening supply-side management, improving logistics, and ensuring availability of essential commodities through buffer stocks. He emphasized the need for targeted support to vulnerable sections and strict market monitoring to prevent hoarding and price manipulation.
On the issue of heatwaves and environmental concerns, Prof. Salim Engineer highlighted the severe impact of rising temperatures, including health risks, loss of livelihoods, and stress on vulnerable populations such as outdoor workers and the urban poor. He linked the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves to environmental degradation, deforestation, and unregulated urban expansion, which have weakened natural systems. He stressed the need for both immediate and long-term measures, including implementation of heat action plans, provision of drinking water and cooling facilities, regulation of working hours, and strengthening public health preparedness. He also called for a review of large-scale tree-cutting projects, expansion of urban green cover, protection of water bodies, and adoption of sustainable development practices aligned with ecological balance.
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