In the run-up to the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, several Muslim organizations have voiced support for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), stirring a political storm. The BJP has accused these groups of attempting to polarize voters by aligning with MVA and has raised concerns over various promises made to the Muslim community.

One of the prominent organizations, the Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh, issued a letter urging voters to support MVA candidates. The letter included controversial demands, questioning if voters would support parties that allegedly threaten Muslim interests, such as enforcing the Uniform Civil Code or dismantling madrasas. The Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh operates in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district and is one of many groups actively encouraging the Muslim community to vote in favor of MVA.

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has formally requested the Election Commission to take action against such organizations, alleging that they are inciting religious sentiments. He argues that these groups, which he claims are part of a "vote jihad," are exploiting religious sentiments to sway votes, potentially leading to communal tensions.

NGOs Mobilizing Muslim Voter Turnout

According to reports, over 180 NGOs have been actively working to increase voter turnout among Muslims, a movement that previously led to a 60% turnout in Lok Sabha polls, especially in areas with significant Muslim populations, like Shivaji Nagar, Mumbadevi, and Malegaon Central. These organizations have held numerous meetings and awareness drives, urging the community to vote for secular candidates and protect the Constitution.

Fakir Mehmood Thakur, head of the Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh, claims their efforts have raised turnout by over 15% compared to previous elections. Highlighting issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and NRC, which have generated concern among Muslims, Thakur noted that the state elections remain influenced by these central government policies.

Controversy Over 'Vote Jihad' Remarks

The term “vote jihad,” used by BJP leaders like Kirit Somaiya and Nitesh Rane, has added a provocative edge to the political discourse. Dismissing these allegations, Shakir Shaikh, coordinator of the Maharashtra Democratic Forum, argues that “jihad” in Arabic means “holy struggle,” and that the high turnout reflects a push for change rather than religious divisiveness. He emphasizes that the community’s support for secular, sometimes non-Muslim candidates, is about advocating for issues important to them rather than religious allegiance.

Journalists and activists, including Sarfaraz Arzoo of Hindustan and Hasina Khan of Bharat Jodo Abhiyan, assert that Muslim voters are increasingly aware of their influence and see the assembly elections as an opportunity to assert their rights. They anticipate a repeat of the high turnout seen in previous elections.

As Maharashtra heads into its assembly elections, this mobilization has raised questions about the impact of Muslim voter participation and the broader implications for Maharashtra’s political landscape.