The path forward demands urgent introspection, from political parties and the community alike. Parties must invest in building inclusive platforms that prioritize competence and character over tokenism.
by Ashfaq Choudhury
In Assam’s intricate political landscape, the state’s sizable Muslim population, nearly 34% of its total, remains one of the most electorally significant yet politically voiceless communities. On paper, representation appears sufficient: 31 out of 126 MLAs in the Assam Legislative Assembly are Muslim. But beyond numbers, there is a growing sense of abandonment, a leadership vacuum that becomes glaring during moments of crisis.
The recently concluded panchayat elections have only sharpened this perception. Despite the symbolic presence of Muslim leaders in the legislature, a striking absence of real advocacy persists. These elected figures are often visible during campaigns and in constituency events, but in the heat of critical debates—be it on citizenship, identity, or communal tensions—their silence is deafening. For many, it no longer feels like representation, but rather a performance devoid of agency.
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Historically, the Congress party has positioned itself as the natural home for Muslim voters in Assam. It has benefited from decades of loyalty, largely rooted in fears of marginalization and communal politics. But this reliance on Muslim-majority “safe seats” has bred complacency. The incentive to nurture bold, capable Muslim leaders has diminished. Instead of dynamic representation, the community has been handed ritualistic tokenism.
For young Muslims disillusioned by the recent election outcomes, this is not the time to retreat.
Many Muslim MLAs today seem more invested in political survival than in principled leadership. They hesitate to speak on issues that challenge the dominant narrative, fearing backlash or loss of favor within their parties. Their silence during moments that demand empathy and courage isn’t just disappointing; it’s dangerous. It sends a signal that the community can be electorally significant but politically disposable. The current vacuum is particularly painful when viewed in the light of Assam’s past. The state once produced towering figures like Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, who went on to become President of India, and Moinul Hoque Choudhury, a respected national leader. Their presence not only inspired pride but also offered tangible proof that Muslims in Assam could shape national discourse. Today, such leadership is conspicuously absent. The path forward demands urgent introspection, from political parties and the community alike. Parties must invest in building inclusive platforms that prioritize competence and character over tokenism. But the onus also lies on the community to identify, encourage, and elevate a new generation of leaders—individuals who combine education with grassroots connection, who can speak not only for Muslims but also to the larger issues that shape Assam’s future. For young Muslims disillusioned by the recent election outcomes, this is not the time to retreat. It is a clarion call to participate more deeply, to organize, speak out, and reclaim agency. Leadership is not handed down by political parties; it is built from the ground up, rooted in conviction and service. Assam’s Muslims must stop waiting for saviors. The community must begin cultivating leaders who do not simply occupy legislative seats but embody the courage, clarity, and vision required to honor the trust placed in them. Only then can representation move beyond symbols to become a force for genuine change.
About the author ~
Ashfaq Choudhury is a student at Delhi University. An aspiring journalist from Assam with a passion for telling untold stories from the Northeast, Choudhury's hopes to amplify voices that often go unheard and spark conversations that matter.
