In the recent Lok Sabha elections, Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, the founder of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), faced a crushing defeat in Dhubri. Ajmal, an Islamist leader and affluent businessman, had held sway over this constituency bordering Bangladesh for the past 15 years. Dhubri, where Bengali-speaking Muslims constitute about 75 per cent of the electorate, was his stronghold. However, he lost to senior Congress leader Rakibul Hussain by a margin exceeding one million votes—the largest margin in this year’s Lok Sabha elections.
Ajmal’s defeat has largely gone unnoticed beyond Assam, but it is a significant development, especially attributed to the efforts of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Himanta Sarma had been determined to neutralize the Maulana politically, viewing his Islamist leanings as a threat to Assam and Bharat’s integrity. Himanya believed Ajmal’s influence was radicalizing young Muslims in Assam, posing a security risk to the country.
Recognizing that the BJP alone couldn’t defeat Ajmal in Dhubri, the Assam CM strategically prompted the Congress to field a formidable candidate. Despite his acrimonious history with the Congress, Himanta facilitated the selection of Rakibul Hussain, a senior Muslim leader and five-time MLA from Samaguri, for the Dhubri seat. Hussain, who had never planned to contest from Dhubri, was persuaded to make it his new political base.
Hussain began engaging with the people of Dhubri about four years ago, building relationships with local civil society and Muslim organizations. He highlighted Ajmal’s lack of development efforts in the constituency and made numerous promises to address the region’s healthcare, education, and infrastructure deficiencies. Hussain’s campaign fueled anti-incumbency sentiments against Ajmal, contributing to the latter’s downfall. The BJP’s ally, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), also fielded a weak candidate, aiding Hussain’s victory.
Assam political analysts view Ajmal’s defeat as the end of his political career and a significant blow to the AIUDF, which also saw poor performance in other Muslim-majority constituencies. The party, which had won 16 seats in the 2021 assembly elections with a 9.29 per cent vote share, now faces a steep decline.
Himanta Biswa Sarma’s objective to diminish Ajmal’s political influence has been achieved, and he uncharacteristically praised Hussain, stating, “If someone has done very well this time, it is Rakibul Hussain.”
(Featured Image Source: The Economic Times)
