The Maharashtra assembly elections are just 10-12 days away, and as the voting date of November 20th approaches, the intensity of campaigns, voter sentiments, and ideological divides is growing. In the midst of this, it has been revealed that approximately 180 'NGOs' are actively working on the ground to mobilize Muslim voters in the state. These organizations are focusing specifically on raising awareness and boosting voter turnout within the Muslim community, particularly in opposition to the BJP. This strategy was successful for the MVA coalition, led by Congress, in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
BJP's Kirit Somaiya files police complaint against Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh (HIndustan Times)
According to reports, voter turnout in areas with a majority Muslim population, including Shivaji Nagar, Mumbadevi, Byculla, and Malegaon Central, was notably higher during the Lok Sabha election compared to surrounding assembly constituencies. This rise is credited to increased awareness and concerns within the Muslim community, driven by focused efforts over the past year.
The Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh, in partnership with more than 180 NGOs, has been actively engaging with Muslim communities to increase voter registration. The organization has held meetings and informational sessions throughout the state, encouraging Muslim voters to support the MVA alliance led by Congress, under the pretext of promoting 'voter awareness.'
“These efforts resulted in a voter turnout exceeding 60% in the Lok Sabha election about 15% higher than previous averages. We encourage Muslims to support secular candidates and vote in line with constitutional values. Our collaboration with other organizations and religious leaders has produced a stronger response. Over 200 meetings have been conducted statewide, contributing to the increase in turnout,” stated Fakir Mehmood Thakur, the organization’s leader.
Thakur also pointed out that concerns among Muslim voters over central government policies, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), played a role in the increased voter turnout during the Lok Sabha elections. He noted that these issues continue to be significant in the current state elections.
Shakir Shaikh, the coordinator of the Maharashtra Democratic Forum, stated that the forum conducted over 70 meetings across the state in the last two months, with 18 of them taking place in Muslim-majority areas of Mumbai, Maharashtra. “Awareness and voter turnout among Muslims were traditionally quite low, but issues like the CAA, the Uniform Civil Code, and the Waqf Bill have motivated more people to vote. Our awareness initiatives and voter registration drives have played a role in boosting turnout during the Lok Sabha elections. In Mumbai alone, we’ve registered at least nine lakh new voters, and the response has been very positive,” he said.
It is important to highlight that, according to a report by Hindustan Times, approximately 180 NGOs are actively working to mobilize Muslim votes on the ground. However, Zee News reports a higher number, claiming around 400 NGOs are involved in promoting ‘vote jihad.’ The media also mentioned receiving a leaflet from the Marathi Muslim Seva Sangha, which was allegedly spreading anti-BJP sentiment under the pretense of raising awareness about voting.
BJP's Kirit Somaiya, meanwhile, accused that 'vote jihad' was also practiced during the Lok Sabha elections. “This plan has been going on for the last 12 months. It’s a well-planned conspiracy. I visited several localities during the Lok Sabha polls and saw Muslim women being polarised. I even published a book ‘Vote Jihad’ to highlight these issues. They are hatching a poisonous conspiracy. They want to spread riots,” Somaiya added, further questioning the funding of such organizations.
He mentioned that he had submitted a complaint to the Election Commissioner regarding this matter. “This is an attempt to provoke the religious sentiment of the people,” he added. Somaiya has also filed a police complaint against the Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh for orchestrating and carrying out a conspiracy against the BJP, which has further endangered the democratic integrity of the state.
The leaflet notably raises several questions for Muslim voters, asking if they would support a party that seeks to shut down madrasas, interfere with Sharia law, or enforce a Uniform Civil Code on Muslims, among other concerns. It also urges Muslims to back the Maha Vikas Aghadi, a coalition comprising Congress, NCP-Sharad Pawar, and Shiv Sena-UBT.
Additionally, a recent study by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), published on November 5th, highlights the changing demographics of Mumbai, driven by the Muslim and illegal immigrant populations, and their growing influence on the region's politics. Conducted by TISS pro-vice-chancellor Shankar Das and assistant professor Souvik Mondal, the study also points out that illegal immigrants are impacting the city's socio-economy by occupying low-skilled jobs, which has led to wage suppression and growing discontent among local residents.
“Some political entities are alleged to use illegal immigrants for vote-bank politics, which can disrupt the democratic process. Claims of voter registration manipulation, where undocumented immigrants allegedly obtain fake voter IDs, raise concerns about electoral fairness and the integrity of India’s democratic system,” the study alleged.
The study's authors also attributed the shift in the region's demographics, as well as its economic and political influence, to several NGOs and religious groups that provided assistance to these immigrants. “Due to strict regulations, registered NGOs often avoid assisting illegal immigrants, leaving undocumented NGOs to fill the support gap without legal authority to challenge exploitation or advocate for migrant rights,” the study read.
After the Lok Sabha elections concluded in May-June 2024, OpIndia reported that Muslims in Maharashtra had mobilized with the goal of defeating the BJP. Islamists issued fatwas, raised Islamic flags during MVA rallies, and encouraged voters to support Shiv Sena (UBT), INC, and NCP (led by Sharad Pawar). This time, several NGOs, operating under the Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh, are urging Muslim voters to oppose the BJP, practicing what some call ‘vote jihad,’ a conspiracy that has been downplayed by leftist Islamists and their supporters.
The 288 legislative assembly seats will be contested in a single phase on November 20, with the vote counting scheduled for November 23.
What is Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh? How is it operating in influencing Muslim voters?
The Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh (MMSS) is partnering with more than 180 NGOs across the state and has been actively engaging with Muslim communities to increase voter registration, while encouraging support for the MVA alliance led by Congress, under the pretext of promoting ‘vote awareness’. The organization has conducted meetings and informational sessions for Muslim voters statewide, urging them to cast their votes exclusively for candidates from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (led by Sharad Pawar).
Fakir Mehmood Thakur, the leader of the organization, commented on the matter, stating that they also played a role in swaying Muslim votes against the BJP during the Lok Sabha elections, leading to a voter turnout of over 60%, which was approximately 15% higher than previous averages. “We encourage Muslims to support secular candidates and vote in line with constitutional values. Our collaboration with other organizations and religious leaders has produced a stronger response. Over 200 meetings have been conducted statewide, contributing to the increase in turnout,” he said.
A leaflet distributed by the MMSS to Muslims, under the pretense of promoting 'voter awareness' ahead of the state assembly elections, has been acquired by OpIndia. The MMSS, registered as an NGO (GBBSD/181/2022), has used the leaflet to encourage opposition to the BJP while rallying support for MahaVikas Aghadi candidates. The leaflet includes several provocative questions aimed at the Muslim community, encouraging them to turn against the BJP. Some of these questions directed to Muslim voters are as follows:
Do you want to vote for someone who disrespects or undermines Shariah law?
Do you want to vote for someone who condones the lynching of innocent Muslims?
Do you want to vote for someone who took Aligarh away from the Muslim community?
Do you want to vote for someone who imposed the NRC to target Muslims?
Do you want to vote for someone who aims to eliminate Madrasas across the country?
Do you want to vote for someone who opposes the Waqf Board?
Do you want to vote for someone who rejects the hijab?
Do you want to vote for someone who challenges the teachings of Prophet Mohammed?
Do you want to vote for someone who supports the lynching of Muslims?
Do you want to vote for someone who fuels hatred against Muslims?
Do you want to vote for someone who pardoned the rapists of Bilkis Bano?
Do you want to vote for someone who unjustly imprisons innocent Muslims?
Do you want to vote for someone who stopped scholarships for 17 lakh Muslim students?
Do you want to vote for someone who intentionally bulldozed Muslim properties?
Just think—what will be the difference between you and the hypocrites if you don't stand up for your religion?
“Would you not utilize your power to vote for protecting the Constitution and unity in Maharashtra? These elections, please give your valuable votes only to Maha Vikas Aghadi,” the leaflet concluded.
MMSS has acknowledged its role in influencing Muslim votes during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections
In another similar leaflet, the organization attempted to provoke Muslims by claiming that the political situation in the state had deteriorated and that law and order were no longer being upheld. “Provocative speeches are being given against Muslims. Elderly Muslims are assaulted on train travels. Riots against Muslims are executed at places like Vishalgadh. Muslims there have been forced to roam homeless. A wall of hatred is being built between Hindus and Muslims,” the leaflet read.
It further implied that certain parties, indirectly referencing the BJP, were attempting to destabilize the state politically. It also stated that two key political parties, Shiv Sena and NCP, were dismantled solely for the sake of power. “Crucial projects from the state which would benefit it economically are being taken away. Farmers are continuing to commit suicide. Youngsters are roaming jobless and getting addicted to drugs. The state overall is seeing its economic low,” it added.
The MMSS also pointed out that the MVA has rarely provided opportunities for candidates from the minority community. Despite this, it urged Muslims to vote for the alliance in order to prevent the BJP from gaining power. The organization acknowledged that Muslims played a crucial role in mobilizing votes during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and emphasized that Muslims must continue to be as active in future elections to help the MVA secure seats.
The results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were striking, with Muslims supporting parties other than the BJP. The Shiv Sena, led by CM Eknath Shinde, won 7 seats, while the BJP secured 9 seats. In contrast, parties such as the NCP (led by Sharad Pawar), the Indian National Congress, and Shiv Sena (UBT), which garnered support from Muslims and Communists, secured 8, 13, and 9 seats, respectively. This clearly indicated that Muslims in Maharashtra chose to back any party opposing the BJP and its allies.
MMSS is not just inciting Muslims but also fostering fear and hatred towards the BJP through the spread of false statements
It is crucial to recognize that the organization is not only inciting Muslims against the BJP but is also attempting to instill fear among voters by spreading false claims, such as the BJP planning to shut down Madrasas, lynch innocent Muslims, and deliberately demolish Muslim properties if it returns to power. Over the past year, the MMSS has been strategically working to discredit the ruling political alliance under the pretense of raising voter awareness within the Muslim community.
Shakir Shaikh, coordinator of the Maharashtra Democratic Forum, stated that the forum conducted over 70 meetings across the state in the past two months, including 18 in Muslim-majority areas of Mumbai. “Awareness and voter turnout among Muslims were traditionally quite low, but issues like the CAA, the Uniform Civil Code, and the Waqf Bill have motivated more people to vote. Our awareness initiatives and voter registration drives have played a role in boosting turnout during the Lok Sabha elections. In Mumbai alone, we’ve registered at least nine lakh new voters, and the response has been very positive,” he said.
It is important to note that while a report by Hindustan Times claims around 180 NGOs are actively working to mobilize Muslim votes, a report by Zee News suggests that the number of such organizations promoting what they term as 'vote jihad' is closer to 400.
The Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh has also been known to glorify Tipu Sultan, a historical figure often criticized for his ruthless actions. There are documented accounts of Tipu’s army engaging in forced conversions, sexual violence, and abductions of Hindus under his orders. Numerous temples are also reported to have been destroyed during his rule. Historians and researchers, including Khan Hussain Ali Kirmani, have noted Tipu Sultan’s hostility toward local Hindu and tribal communities.
MMSS is actively supporting Shiv Sena (UBT) in Mumbai
It is worth noting that the MMSS has actively extended its support to the MVA, particularly to Shiv Sena (UBT). During the Lok Sabha elections, the MMSS had pledged the Muslim community’s support to Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT). After parting ways with the BJP, Thackeray redefined his approach to Hindutva, adopting a more moderate stance. This shift was evident during the elections, as minority support played a crucial role in securing a landslide victory for all MVA candidates.
Sajid K Supariwala, a Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary, stated unequivocally that Muslims would back the UBT-led party in the upcoming assembly elections. He emphasized that the Muslim community had no reservations and was prepared to offer full support to both the UBT-led party and the MVA during the elections. “In the coming elections of assembly and civic bodies, the community will only increase its affinity with the party,” he was reported as saying, and further mentioned that the enrollment of more Muslims as party members and office bearers would commence soon.
The Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh (MMSS), an organization representing Maharashtrian Muslims, played an active role in supporting candidates from the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction of the Shiv Sena during recent campaigns. According to its president, Thakur, the UBT Sena now presents a credible political option for Muslims in Maharashtra, akin to Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD in Bihar, and Mamata Banerjee’s TMC in West Bengal.
Thakur, who met Uddhav Thackeray ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, campaigned extensively in the Konkan region to back UBT candidates. Minority votes were instrumental in securing victory for UBT candidate Arvind Sawant in the Mumbai South constituency. Similarly, Sanjay Dina Patil and Anil Desai, who contested in Mumbai North East and Mumbai South Central respectively, gained significant support from Muslim-dominated areas.
During a pre-election meeting for Sawant’s campaign, Urdu journalist Sarfraz Arzoo noted that while the Shiv Sena was historically seen as anti-Muslim, it was now close to considering Muslim candidates for assembly and BMC elections. However, this shift has yet to materialize. In its outreach to the Muslim community, the MMSS acknowledged the limited opportunities given to minority candidates by the MVA but urged voters to support the alliance as a strategic move to prevent the BJP from gaining power.
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