Congress’s Secular Façade Cracks: Alliance with Islamist Groups Sparks Debate on Bharat’s Democracy

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 11^th November. The Indian National Congress (INC), Bharat’s oldest political party, has long held itself as a champion of secularism, priding itself on representing a vision of inclusive governance across religious, cultural, and ethnic lines. However, recent developments have sparked a wave of criticism, not only from political commentators and opposition parties but even from some allies within its own coalition, the I.N.D.I.A. (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance). At the center of this controversy is the Congress’s alleged alignment with Islamic groups, including organizations like the Jamaat-e-Islami and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which some argue compromises Congress’s secular credentials.

With notable accusations from CPI(M), an ally in the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, claiming that Congress is fraternizing with Islamist groups for political advantage, this complex issue opens a discussion on the authenticity of Congress’s secular stance, the realities of coalition politics, and the broader implications for Bharatiya democracy.

Congress’s Historical Commitment to Secularism

Historically, the Congress Party has stood as a bulwark for secularism in Bharat, advocating policies that aim to represent all of Bharat’s diverse communities. Founded on principles of unity and secularism, Congress was instrumental in shaping Bharat’s constitutional framework to protect religious freedoms and ensure that no group, religion, or individual would be marginalized on religious grounds. This commitment to secularism became synonymous with Congress’s political identity, helping the party earn the loyalty of a diverse voter base across communities.

Secularism and Minority Outreach in Bharatiya Politics

In the context of Bharatiya politics, secularism entails respecting religious pluralism while maintaining a neutral stance in governance. For Congress, this has often meant forming alliances or policies that seek to include Bharat’s significant minority groups, particularly Muslims, who constitute around 15% of the population. Historically, this inclusion has been viewed as a strength and has enabled Congress to build an image of tolerance and unity. However, over the years, critics have argued that Congress’s efforts at minority outreach have transformed into what they term as “minority appeasement,” impacting the perception of secularism within the party.

The Role of the I.N.D.I.A. Alliance in Congress’s Secular Image

The I.N.D.I.A. alliance, a coalition formed with several opposition parties to counter the ruling BJP, brought together parties with differing ideological bases, including Congress and CPI(M). The coalition’s objective was to create a unified opposition, yet the partnership has been fraught with challenges. Recently, Congress’s ties with Islamist-linked organizations have caused unease within CPI(M), a traditionally secular and left-leaning party that has often criticized communal forces on all fronts. This intra-coalition criticism, notably by Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, reflects growing concerns about Congress’s secular integrity.

Controversy Surrounding Congress’s Alleged Links with Jamaat-e-Islami

One of the central accusations came when CPI(M) leaders, including Pinarayi Vijayan, alleged that Congress was seeking support from Jamaat-e-Islami, a banned extremist Islamist organization. Vijayan condemned Congress, asserting that they were aligning with the Jamaat-e-Islami-backed Welfare Party of India (WPI) to gain an advantage in the Wayanad by-elections in Kerala. According to Vijayan, Jamaat-e-Islami’s objectives are incompatible with democratic values and prioritizes Islamic governance, raising questions about Congress’s alignment with such an organization. This alleged support, he claims, is inconsistent with Congress’s stated secular values.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s History and Global Controversies

Founded by Sayyid Abul A’la Maududi, Jamaat-e-Islami has historically advocated for Islamic rule, and its influence has extended beyond Bharat. Known for its involvement in extremist activities, the organization has gained a controversial reputation, particularly after its role in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, where it was implicated in war crimes and genocidal acts. It also has known links with terror organizations such as Hamas, with documented financial support to various global extremist causes. Within Bharat, Jamaat-e-Islami’s influence is predominantly felt in Jammu and Kashmir, where it was banned in 2019 for promoting separatism and alleged radicalization activities.

Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML): A Symbiotic Relationship?

Apart from Jamaat-e-Islami, Congress’s partnership with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has also come under scrutiny. The IUML, an ally in Kerala under Congress’s United Democratic Front (UDF), represents the state’s Muslim population but has often been criticized for its religious focus. This partnership drew attention when Rahul Gandhi defended IUML, stating that it is a “completely secular party,” a statement that sparked controversy due to IUML’s explicit religious identity. Critics argue that Gandhi’s endorsement of IUML as secular is inconsistent with Congress’s own denunciation of religious politics in other contexts, particularly regarding Hindu-nationalist groups.

The All India Ulema Board’s Demands on Congress and Secularism

Adding fuel to the debate is Congress’s recent engagement with the All India Ulema Board. In a bid to garner support for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, Congress reportedly agreed to several demands from the Ulema Board, including proposed reservations for Muslims, financial aid to the Maharashtra Waqf Board, and, controversially, legal actions against BJP leaders and a ban on the RSS. These demands, often framed as minority rights, have deepened the perception that Congress’s secularism is more political than principled, as they align closely with one community’s religious interests.

Criticism from Within: CPI(M)’s Challenge to Congress’s Secular Credentials

The crux of the recent criticism, however, comes from within the I.N.D.I.A. alliance itself. Chief Minister Vijayan’s public denouncement of Congress’s ties with the Jamaat-e-Islami-affiliated Welfare Party exposed ideological rifts within the opposition coalition. By claiming that Congress’s alliances threaten Bharat’s democratic values, CPI(M) has underscored a pressing question: Can Congress claim to be secular while allegedly seeking support from organizations with strong Islamist agendas?

Vijayan’s rhetoric highlights an inherent contradiction in Congress’s stance: while the party portrays itself as secular, its alliances often suggest otherwise. For CPI(M), the issue is not just political but ideological; alliances with groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, which they view as fundamentally opposed to democratic principles, endanger the very ideals the left parties claim to protect.

Broader Implications for Congress and Bharatiya Democracy

These developments cast a spotlight on the complex terrain of secularism in Bharatiya politics, where political survival often dictates alliances over ideology. For Congress, its alliances with parties like IUML and associations with organizations linked to Jamaat-e-Islami are a double-edged sword. On one hand, these partnerships help consolidate minority support in regions like Kerala, where Muslim votes are critical. On the other hand, they risk alienating secularists, including party loyalists and coalition partners like CPI(M), who see these moves as contradictory to Congress’s founding values.

The Path Ahead for Congress

Congress’s position in Bharatiya politics is undeniably at a crossroads. With the BJP framing itself as a nationalist, Hindu-centric party, Congress’s role as a secular alternative is crucial for preserving Bharat’s pluralistic democracy. However, the party must redefine its approach to secularism by creating a balance that respects minority rights without aligning itself with groups seen as divisive or extremist.

To maintain credibility, Congress should pursue alliances grounded in shared democratic values rather than short-term electoral gains. Engaging with religious organizations for minority outreach is understandable, but openly supporting groups with links to extremism risks undermining the party’s moral authority and estranging its secular voter base.

Conclusion: A Critical Juncture for Congress and Bharatiya Secularism

The Indian National Congress now faces a moment of introspection. The party must carefully evaluate the risks of aligning with organizations whose ideologies run counter to its foundational secular values. In an era where political survival often overshadows ideological purity, Congress’s challenge is to reclaim its secular mantle in a way that aligns with democratic principles rather than opportunistic alliances.

While the road ahead is fraught with difficult choices, a commitment to authentic secularism could help Congress rejuvenate its image and build a stronger, more cohesive opposition. As it navigates these alliances, Congress must decide if it will uphold the secular vision of its founders or continue on a path that risks alienating its core supporters and allies alike. The path Congress chooses will not only shape its political future but also impact the trajectory of Bharatiya secularism in the years to come.