Read on Twitter
After the recent string of "betrayals", the idea of Muslims resigning from such Pol parties en masse has gained more support.
Although such reactionary outrage is hardly of any consequence in such cases, I wish to share my thoughts & invite discussion.
Although such reactionary outrage is hardly of any consequence in such cases, I wish to share my thoughts & invite discussion.
Let's start by accepting that Muslims have found it very difficult to carve out a political space for ourselves.
Being leaders in & candidates for National parties is rare.
Nevertheless, these positions bring influence in the party & most importantly in the constituency
Being leaders in & candidates for National parties is rare.
Nevertheless, these positions bring influence in the party & most importantly in the constituency
What does this influence mean?
It *generally* means a better quality of life for the local Muslim population.
More reliable utilities, comparatively better police response to the needs of the community & accomodation & consideration in times of celebration & emergency alike.
It *generally* means a better quality of life for the local Muslim population.
More reliable utilities, comparatively better police response to the needs of the community & accomodation & consideration in times of celebration & emergency alike.
Even marginal improvement in municipal services mean overall improvement in sanitation & by extension health. Same goes for schools & infrastructure.
Basic improvements like well lit streets reduce crime & enhance quality of life
Basic improvements like well lit streets reduce crime & enhance quality of life
A committed elected Muslim representative, especially from a national party, is also a great* boon for the community in terms of security & police accountability
All of this results in increasing empowerment of the community
*Comparatively. When considering the other option
All of this results in increasing empowerment of the community*Comparatively. When considering the other option
Now what would happen if Muslim members in these national parties, elected or otherwise, were to suddenly resign en masse?
It would mean ceding hard fought for space to those who'd not look after the Muslim community or would even try to harm it.
It would mean ceding hard fought for space to those who'd not look after the Muslim community or would even try to harm it.
It would mean M neighbourhoods which were previously still being looked after to some extent would be neglected.
The synergy gained from marginally better utilities, services & infrastructure would be lost which would slowly further marginalisation of that Muslim constituency.
The synergy gained from marginally better utilities, services & infrastructure would be lost which would slowly further marginalisation of that Muslim constituency.
Am I completely against resignations? Not really
But I firmly believe that mass resignations of Muslim representatives will have severe negative effects on Muslim constituencies
IF
We do not have an alternative political platform ready for those who resign.
But I firmly believe that mass resignations of Muslim representatives will have severe negative effects on Muslim constituenciesIF
We do not have an alternative political platform ready for those who resign.
Which brings me to the core of the issue here; establishing an alternative political platform.
Forming a new political party is not halwa.
I didn't think this would need to be said but the kind of oversimplified "solutions" that abound I thought it did merit repeating.
Forming a new political party is not halwa.I didn't think this would need to be said but the kind of oversimplified "solutions" that abound I thought it did merit repeating.
It is not halwa. It takes decades, a colossal amount of money & sheer hard work to establish an *alternative* party that can bring meaningful change.
Mass resignations without an alternative would mean giving up what little we have in return for nothing but rhetoric of "unity"
Mass resignations without an alternative would mean giving up what little we have in return for nothing but rhetoric of "unity"
So what could be done with regards to resignations?
I suggest gradual resignations.
Muslim party leaders / MPs should resign as soon as they get guarantee of position in or ticket (with good prospects of winning) from Muslim or Left parties.
I suggest gradual resignations.
Muslim party leaders / MPs should resign as soon as they get guarantee of position in or ticket (with good prospects of winning) from Muslim or Left parties.
Why do I say this.
Because as I mentioned earlier, forming a new party with winnable candidates is one hell of a job.
A job that is unnecessary.
Day dreaming of some utopian Pol party will not help us.
We must learn to work with what we have. And what we have ain't that bad.
Because as I mentioned earlier, forming a new party with winnable candidates is one hell of a job.
A job that is unnecessary.
Day dreaming of some utopian Pol party will not help us.
We must learn to work with what we have. And what we have ain't that bad.
In conclusion, gradual resignations & joining existing alternate parties is a way better option than reactionary mass resignations with no proper alternative to turn to after & thus losing what little we have in terms of political empowerment & by extension the community's
Thank you for reading till the end.
I have shared my thoughts, ideas & suggestions.
Feel free to share yours.
I have shared my thoughts, ideas & suggestions.
Feel free to share yours.
@ElShabazzz @OdinsProphecy @MogalAadil @queenbeee_27 @Syaahkaar @aakhirq @brumbyism @jagritysablok1 @Delhiite_ @drunkJournalist @Advsaifalam @subiism @ZaraSalati @Fatima_Z0hra @SaniaAhmad1111 @DerBolshevik @isaifpatel
@Ladycrane15 @drkouser_ @AminaaKausar @atti_cus @masterofhind @DuneKhaal @PettyPraxis @SwalihaAsiya @JasoosMohtarma_ @umme98 @isarah1234 @hopelesschirp @UrbanXpat @UrbanShrink @eco_comics @SamKhan999
@LifesTooShortF2 @nazmaaman @Schandillia @Trophy_Wifeee @imMAK02 @DeadZedb @DearthOfSid @tamashbeen_ @Inquilabo
