New Delhi, August 26: Former CPI(M) MP Hannan Mollah has responded to various political issues, including Akhilesh Yadav‘s women’s scheme, Delhi’s ‘Lakshmi Scheme’, the Allahabad High Court’s hijab ruling, the Vande Mataram controversy, RSS registration, and Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments on infiltration. He criticized the trend of distributing cash directly in electoral promises, advocating instead for connecting women and youth to employment and production processes.
Commenting on Akhilesh Yadav’s promise to give every woman ₹40,000 annually if he comes to power in 2027, Mollah stated that such promises flood in as elections approach. Often, the source of funding for these announcements remains unclear. To truly empower women, they must be integrated into production and employment. Earning through their labor will bring them respect and self-reliance.
Mollah emphasized that rather than handing out cash, women, youth, and other needy individuals should be engaged in economic activities that generate regular income. This approach will foster self-sufficiency among citizens, reducing dependence on aid. He deemed the growing trend of free schemes in electoral politics as detrimental to democratic values. While different parties make their announcements, the long-term solution lies in creating job and income opportunities.
He also questioned the Delhi government’s ‘Delhi Lakshmi Scheme’, which provides eligible women with ₹2,500 monthly assistance. Mollah pointed out that political parties often fail to present a complete picture of eligibility and conditions when making pre-election announcements. When the time comes to implement the scheme, additional eligibility criteria are often introduced, leaving many people ineligible. It is crucial to clarify who will benefit from any scheme and under what conditions before its announcement. He labeled this as misleading politics.
Mollah referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier promise of ₹15 lakh, accusing the government of failing to fulfill electoral commitments, which undermines public trust. However, he reiterated his focus on connecting people to employment.
Regarding the Allahabad High Court’s hijab ruling, Mollah commented on Asaduddin Owaisi’s remarks, stating that individuals with religious beliefs will continue to express their views on religious matters. However, he insisted that courts should make decisions within the constitutional framework. He highlighted that citizens are granted the right to freedom of religion and that courts must consider constitutional rights and national unity in such matters.
Mollah warned that any judicial decision reflecting a communal perspective would be inappropriate for national unity and social harmony. He advocated for a balanced approach in line with the spirit of the Constitution.
On Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s comments about Vande Mataram, Mollah expressed agreement, noting that the anthem is tied to the freedom movement and a long-standing tradition of patriotism. He criticized those he views as supporters of the British during the freedom struggle, stating that it is natural to question their nationalism. The values and traditions derived from the freedom movement should be prioritized.
Addressing Congress leader Priyank Kharge’s statement on RSS registration, Mollah stressed the necessity of registration and financial accountability for any organization. Even small clubs must register and maintain accounts of their income and expenses. Larger organizations should also be held to standards of transparency and accountability.
Mollah raised concerns regarding the RSS’s membership and funding, asserting that if an organization receives substantial funds, it must be clear where the money comes from and how it is spent. Accountability is essential in a democracy, and the financial management of any institution should be transparent.
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P.S.K.
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