MONTHLY PRESS CONFERENCE OF JAMAAT-E-ISLAMI HIND

PRESS NOTE

Lok Sabha Election Results 2024

We consider the election results as a resounding mandate against hate and divisive politics and they clearly show that the people of India have rejected hate and divisive politics. The Indian electorate has sent a powerful message that they desire unity, peace, and harmony.

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind congratulates the people of India for their enthusiastic and active participation in the electoral process. Despite the harsh climate in many parts of the country, people exercised their franchise in huge numbers and showed their trust in the democratic process and its ability to shape the future of our country.

For Political Parties and Ruling Dispensation

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind expresses deep regret that some of the rhetoric and speeches used during the election campaign were highly divisive, falling far below minimal civilized standards, and were highly objectionable. The efforts to ignite religious and communal sentiments and provoke people’s emotions were unprecedentedly disgraceful and a blemish on Indian society and democracy. It is a testament to the maturity of the electorate that they decisively rejected these tactics. Particularly in regions and constituencies targeted for these unhealthy practices, voters have clearly conveyed that their preference lies with a sincere developmental agenda. They have unequivocally rejected narrow-minded, divisive, polarizing, and hate-based ideologies.

We also feel that, the voters have clearly voiced their discontent with the undue prioritization of corporate interests and the gross neglect of the well-being of the vast majority of poor and marginalized Indians.

We urge all political parties to learn from this mandate and move away from the politics of hate, communal and caste divides, stereotyping, labelling and stigmatization. It is imperative to abandon extreme capitalist policy formulations and instead focus on building a society where everyone feels valued and respected, irrespective of religious and caste considerations.

We particularly call upon the members of parliament from the ruling party and the cabinet to heed the voters’ clear message. It is time for introspection, adopting a mature, transparent course correction, and demonstrating more responsible behavior in their conduct and policies. We urge them to be sensitive to the highly diverse, pluralistic, and multicultural nature of Indian society. Additionally, they need to develop a heightened sensitivity to the inclusive, federal, justice-oriented, and welfare-driven vision of the Constitution of India, which emphasizes equality and fraternity.

We strongly urge the new government to end the misuse of state machinery and constitutional bodies against political or ideological opponents. Such practices undermine the principles of democracy and erode public trust in our institutions.

Jamaat Islam Hind, as always, will continue to cooperate with and support the government in all positive and people-friendly policies and actions. Simultaneously, we remain steadfast in opposing anything that contradicts fundamental values and constitutional morality.

For Opposition Parties and the Allies of the Ruling Party

With the voters of the country preferring a more decentralized coalition government, the responsibility of NDA partners in the ruling party has increased manifold. People expect them to be vigilant, fair, and responsible. They should stand as torchbearers and protectors of constitutional values, becoming a strong balancing force by influencing government policies and agendas in an inclusive and positive manner. Succumbing to pressure from the ruling dispensation and compromising on core values and principles would be a serious betrayal of the people of India who voted for them to play a crucial role. We urge these partners to actively promote policies that foster unity, respect, and inclusiveness, and to stand firm against any actions that may divide our society.

We appreciate the opposition parties for their resolute struggle and for obtaining an unexpectedly positive mandate from the electorate, defying all pre-poll predictions. However, it is also a time for introspection for them. The people of India have clearly conveyed that there is no reason to be disappointed with the Indian electorate. While some opposition leaders were clear, vocal, and enthusiastic in their pursuits, there was a noticeable lack of the required vigor, energy, and assertiveness among many leaders and parties. In many areas, there was a significant disconnect between opposition candidates and voters. In some states, an unnecessary fear psychosis and reluctance regarding secular and inclusive policies was evident. The election outcome clearly indicates that a more organized, united, and vibrant campaign involving all sections of society by the opposition could have yielded different results.

We urge the opposition parties to play a strong, constructive, and meaningful role. India needs a massive campaign to change the course of politics and align it more closely with the values of the Constitution. The people of India are ready for such change, and it is the responsibility of the opposition parties to actively and courageously steer politics in that direction.

For Government Officials and Democratic Institutions

We believe this vote reflects public outrage over the degradation of government agencies and independent democratic institutions. Agencies such as the ED and CBI have been blatantly used for political vendetta, targeting opposition leaders and silencing dissenting voices within civil society, the media, and academia. The Election Commission’s inaction regarding hate speeches and blatant violations of the model code of conduct, coupled with its failure to inspire public confidence in the electoral process, is deeply troubling. This situation underscores the urgent need for an appointment process that is not solely controlled by the ruling dispensation.

Furthermore, a significant portion of the media has acted as political campaigners, with so-called exit polls exposing their partisan bias. The independence, integrity, and professionalism of these institutions are crucial for a thriving democracy. We urge those in positions of authority within these institutions to reflect on the message sent by the Indian electorate, to assume greater responsibility, and to uphold the principles of their roles with honor and integrity.

For Civil Society Organisations

We believe the true heroes of this election are the vibrant members of civil society in India. The poor, farmers, laborers, marginalized communities, and minorities played a pivotal role. Civil society movements, independent journalists, social media influencers, community organizations, women’s groups, students, and other non-political sectors have been instrumental in awakening the public conscience. We congratulate them on their significant contribution and remind them that their task is not yet complete. They must remain vigilant and continue to act as active and dynamic watchdogs, ensuring that the people’s mandate is respected by politicians.

For People of India

The strength of democracy lies in the active and vigilant engagement of its citizens. It is crucial for us to closely monitor the behaviour and performance of our elected representatives and government officials. We must ensure that politicians do not neglect our mandate or overlook the powerful message we have conveyed. The people of India are not subservient or idolaters of their leaders; they are the true stewards of democracy. Only through our vigilant oversight can we ensure that those in power remain on the right track. We must hold politicians answerable to the citizens they serve, demanding transparency, integrity, and responsiveness. We urge our fellow countrymen to persist in their fight against hate politics, divisiveness, polarization, crony capitalism, and any form of arrogant, dictatorial, or polarizing attitudes from politicians. Additionally, we must oppose any misuse of government agencies and democratic institutions.