The Welfare Party of India (WPI) has announced its decision to contest in four specific constituencies across West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, while lending its backing to the opposition INDIA alliance for the remaining 539 seats.
WPI President Dr. SQR Ilyas disclosed these plans during a press briefing at the Press Club of India in New Delhi. He highlighted the party’s cautious approach, aiming not to undermine other secular parties while still participating in a limited number of electoral battles.
Dr. Ilyas criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, accusing him of concentrating unprecedented power, stifling critical media, undermining judicial independence and parliamentary accountability, and misusing government agencies to target political rivals.
He pointed out the failure of Modi’s 2014 promises, citing initiatives like demonetization, GST, and the COVID-19 lockdown, which led to the closure of numerous small businesses and widespread job losses.
Moreover, Dr. Ilyas condemned the government’s inability to tackle issues like bringing back offshore black money or generating new job opportunities as pledged.
He accused the BJP government of disregarding parliamentary norms by passing crucial bills without opposition presence or debate, including contentious farm laws that were repealed only after extensive farmer protests.
Dr. Ilyas cautioned against a potential third term for the BJP, suggesting it could usher in Hindu supremacy and marginalize religious minorities, effectively denying voting rights to millions.
He urged support for the INDIA bloc, emphasizing the urgency to address pressing national issues such as inflation, unemployment, and corruption, instead of focusing on religious and communal rhetoric during election campaigns.
The WPI leader also criticized the BJP’s alleged corruption, citing recent revelations about the Electoral Bond scheme and the privatization of key public sector entities.
In addition, Dr. Ilyas, who also serves as the spokesperson for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), expressed concerns over the BJP’s agenda, particularly its proposals for a Uniform Civil Code and “One Nation, One Election,” which he interpreted as signs of a Hindu nationalist agenda.
In response to queries, Dr. Ilyas defended the diversity of Indian society, arguing against the imposition of a Uniform Civil Code and emphasizing the need for consensus among all segments of society before implementing such changes.
Regarding the party’s achievements over 13 years, Dr. Ilyas highlighted interventions in policy-making, successful public movements in states like Kerala, and campaigns against corporate exploitation.
WPI National General Secretary Subramani Arumugam echoed Dr. Ilyas’s concerns, warning of severe consequences if the BJP retains power and praising the formation of the INDIA alliance as crucial for safeguarding democracy and secular values.
Arumugam announced that the WPI would launch a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the potential risks of another BJP term and garner support for alliance candidates.
Overall, the WPI’s stance underscores a strategic and principled approach to the upcoming elections, emphasizing collaboration with like-minded parties to counter perceived threats to democratic norms and inclusive governance.