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The political landscape in Maharashtra has been thrown into a storm of accusations and counter-accusations surrounding a recent decision by the Eknath Shinde government to raise the honorarium and salaries of madrassa teachers. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, known for his sharp tongue and bold pronouncements, ignited the controversy by questioning the government's motives, alleging that the move constituted 'vote jihad'.
Raut, speaking to the media, insinuated that the government, led by the BJP, was implementing schemes like the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana and increasing the working capital of the Maulana Azad Financial Corporation with the sole aim of garnering votes in the upcoming assembly elections, scheduled to take place in November. He further claimed that had his party, Shiv Sena (UBT), initiated such measures, the BJP would have labelled it as 'vote jihad'.
Congress leader Naseem Khan echoed Raut's sentiments, alleging that the decision to increase the honorarium and salaries was strategically timed to influence the electoral outcome. Khan questioned the BJP's silence regarding the alleged threats faced by Muslims and asserted that the government's actions were merely a ploy to improve its electoral prospects. He also criticized the decision to increase the working capital of the Maulana Azad Financial Corporation, arguing that it was not intended for the upliftment of the Muslim community but rather to salvage the BJP's image after its poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
However, the BJP, through its senior leader Kirit Somaiya, vehemently denied the allegations. Somaiya countered that the BJP-led Mahayuti government did not discriminate based on religion when it came to matters of health and education. He questioned the motives of Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut, alleging that their party had engaged in 'vote jihad' during the Lok Sabha polls. Somaiya emphasized that the government's decision to raise the salaries of madrassa teachers was solely motivated by the desire to improve the quality of education for all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations.
The term 'vote jihad' has become a contentious issue in Indian politics, with accusations of its use often flying between political parties. This latest controversy highlights the deep-seated divisions within Maharashtra's political landscape and the highly charged atmosphere leading up to the crucial assembly elections. It remains to be seen whether the BJP's decision to increase the salaries of madrassa teachers will translate into electoral gains or if the accusations of 'vote jihad' will negatively impact its chances in the upcoming polls.
Source: ‘Vote jihad?’: Shiv Sena (UBT) questions salary hike for madrassa teachers in Maharashtra