Shehla Rashid Criticizes Congress for Muslim Community's Developmental Challenges
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Dec 11 (NationPress) Former JNU students' union leader and activist Shehla Rashid expressed her views on Wednesday, attributing the stagnation of Muslims to the decades of mismanagement by the Congress party. She criticized the longstanding party and its allies for promoting the idea that 'no secular government, no development' can exist in the nation.
In a special discussion with IANS, Rashid emphasized that the Muslim community has continually faced challenges and has been marginalized over the years, despite several secular parties claiming to advocate for their rights.
“Currently, only a few parties in the nation believe that development is contingent on their ascension to power,” she noted.
“The Sachar Committee report has made it evident that Muslims consistently rank lower than SC/STs in terms of development. The so-called secular parties have failed to integrate them into the mainstream,” she asserted.
She added that these self-proclaimed secular parties present themselves as ‘defenders’ of minority rights, but in actuality, have neglected the community for political gain.
The activist from Jammu and Kashmir commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inclusive growth model, stating that under his administration, the Muslim community benefits from welfare schemes without discrimination.
Reiterating PM Modi's call for reform, Rashid stated that it is crucial for the community to advocate for its rights and proactively shape its future.
“It’s time to stop waiting for government assistance and focus on self-empowerment. We must educate ourselves, train our youth, and equip them for the future,” she emphasized.
“We owe it to our children to provide them with the right exposure and skills to thrive in this rapidly evolving world. The emergence of Artificial Intelligence and the global economy presents numerous opportunities,” she added.
Furthermore, she mentioned that PM Modi has imparted a clear message that the community should cease waiting for someone to dismantle the current government or provide them with handouts.
“Believing in oneself and assuming responsibility for our own progress,” she concluded, “will elevate us to new heights.”
