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Social media campaign does not reflect ground reality; majority of people remain with party leadership, say public opinion voices
Hyderabad, September 2 (PMI): The disciplinary action taken by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi in connection with the recent incident involving Mirza Rahmat Baig has been described by sections of the public as a timely and prudent decision.
According to public opinion gathered over the past few days, action against any party functionary for violating organisational rules and discipline falls within the responsibility of the party leadership. They said the decision should not be linked with the overall political credibility or image of the Majlis.
A discussion has been underway on social media seeking an explanation for the action against Baig. However, feedback from people at the grassroots level suggests that the social media campaign does not necessarily reflect the broader public mood. Some sections also believe that the demand for an explanation is being used as an attempt to politically corner Asaduddin Owaisi.
Public representatives and political observers pointed out that every internal disciplinary decision taken by a political party need not necessarily be accompanied by a detailed public explanation. If the action has been taken in accordance with the party’s constitution and code of conduct, they said, the leadership’s decision should be respected.
Majlis Credibility Unlikely to Be Affected
People who expressed their views rejected the suggestion that an issue involving an individual could have a significant impact on the overall political standing of the Majlis. They said the party has an established political identity and organisational base, which cannot be assessed on the basis of a single incident or a social media campaign.
According to them, Owaisi’s decision sends a clear message that organisational discipline and party rules will not be compromised. They maintained that enforcing discipline is essential for strengthening any political organisation.
No Major Impact Expected on Civic Polls
Regarding the forthcoming civic elections, public opinion gathered during the exercise indicated that the Mirza Rahmat Baig issue is unlikely to have any major impact on the Majlis’s electoral prospects.
Voters, they said, are more likely to base their decisions on local issues, the popularity of candidates, public outreach, civic amenities and the prevailing political situation in their respective areas.
Political observers noted that the prominence given to an issue on social media does not necessarily mean that it carries the same importance among ordinary voters. The actual political impact, they said, will become evident only through the electoral verdict.
Focus Should Remain on Political Activities
Public opinion also favoured the Majlis leadership moving beyond the controversy and concentrating on its political and organisational activities. With civic elections approaching, greater attention should be given to candidate selection, local issues and grassroots public outreach, they said.
Overall, the feedback gathered in recent days suggests that a large section of the Majlis’s traditional supporters continues to stand with the party leadership and views the action against Mirza Rahmat Baig primarily as an internal disciplinary matter.
Despite the ongoing social media campaign, there is presently no clear indication that the episode will significantly damage the Majlis’s political credibility or adversely affect its prospects in the forthcoming civic elections. (pressmediaofindia.com)
