BJP, AAP neglected interests of minorities, says Cong MP

Congress MP Imran Masood has pledged that his party will focus on the welfare of minority communities if it comes to power in the Delhi Assembly elections. Speaking at a press conference at the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) office on Thursday, Masood emphasised that Congress is committed to mainstreaming minorities and advancing their progress through targeted initiatives outlined in the party’s manifesto.

Masood criticised both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for neglecting minority interests over the past decade. “Both AAP and BJP have failed to address the needs of minorities and have stifled their progress. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has been relentlessly fighting for the rights and development of minorities, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), backward communities, and the exploited,” he stated.

Outlining Congress’s approach in its manifesto, Masood said the party aims to ensure upward mobility for minorities and underprivileged groups, who he claims have been neglected by the current AAP government in Delhi and the BJP at the Centre.

A key promise in the manifesto, according to Masood, is the full implementation of the Sachar Committee report, which was established in 2005 by the Congress-led UPA government to promote the economic, social, and educational advancement of the Muslim community. “Of the 76 recommendations of the Sachar Committee, 73 were accepted, and 72 were successfully implemented. Congress has always remained committed to fulfilling these recommendations, which include expanding educational opportunities, increasing financial and employment participation, and promoting social harmony,” Masood explained.

Masood also criticised both the Modi and Kejriwal governments for reducing budget allocations for minority communities and limiting scholarships for minority children. He accused Kejriwal of harboring an “anti-minority” mindset, pointing to his actions during the anti-CAA protests, the Jahangirpuri communal violence, and the Delhi riots.