Hello Mumbai Maharashtra Desk 

Pune: There is a deliberate and well-planned attempt underway in Maharashtra and across the country to build a narrative against minorities with the intention of dividing society. However, the Congress party is standing firmly against this divisive politics, which is why such forces are not succeeding. This view was expressed in a statement by Dr Haji Zakir Sheikh, former Secretary of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, senior Congress leader, and Maharashtra State General Secretary of the All India Qaumi Tanzeem.
Dr Sheikh said that since Independence, if any one party has consistently protected the interests of minorities, it is the Congress party alone. Congress has always worked on the principle of inclusive and holistic development without discrimination and will continue to do so in the future.
Referring to the ongoing municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra, Dr Sheikh said that Congress has entered the electoral arena with full strength. He appealed to minorities not to fall prey to confusion or misleading propaganda and to openly support the Congress, as the party has always fought for their rights and dignity.
He further stated that despite limited resources, Congress laid the foundation of India’s development after Independence. Cities like Mumbai and Pune were not only developed but were also given international recognition during Congress rule. The contribution of Congress leaders such as Barrister Vitthalrao Gadgil and late Suresh Kalmadi to the development of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad has been historic, he added.
Highlighting unemployment among youth, rising inflation, corruption, and indiscriminate privatisation as the most serious challenges facing the country today, Dr Sheikh said that politics of hatred is being used to divert attention from these pressing issues. Poison is being spread in society to reap political gains, and strengthening the Congress has become the need of the hour to counter this trend.
Dr Shaikh pointed out that in the current municipal elections, Congress has given the highest number of tickets to Muslim candidates compared to other political parties. It is now the responsibility of voters to ensure their victory, he said.
He also noted that during the Congress regime, the educational initiatives started in Pune by educationist Dr P.A. Inamdar later grew into a full-fledged university. Similarly, the establishment, operation, and development of Urdu schools were also a result of Congress policies.
Praising Maharashtra Pradesh Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal and former state president Nana Patole, Dr Sheikh said the party has always ensured respect and representation for minorities. He appealed to the minority community, especially Muslim voters, to support the Congress party and help its candidates win with a decisive mandate.