Mamman Khan, Mewat Congress MLAs promise to fight for Meo rights

As the BJP prepares to form its government for a third consecutive term in Haryana, Congress MLAs from the state’s most backward district, Mewat, have vowed to be the loudest advocates for their constituents in the Vidhan Sabha.

Nuh district, predominantly populated by Meo Muslims, once again rejected the BJP in the recent Assembly elections, re-electing its three former Congress MLAs. Among them, Mamman Khan, the MLA from Ferozepur Jhirka constituency, achieved a remarkable victory with a margin of 98,441 votes — the largest in Haryana’s 2024 elections. He defeated BJP candidate Naseem Ahmed, despite facing significant controversies.

Never spoken about religion

I have never spoken about religion but always addressed vigilantism in the name of cow protection. Meos are tortured and lynched by maniac vigilantes. I raised this issue prominently, and the BJP orchestrated the Nuh riots to frame me. The public mandate has proven me right. I will continue to fight for Nuh and Mewat and expose the regime. — Mamman Khan, Congress MLA

Khan, known for his strong stance against cow vigilante groups, has been accused of inciting riots in Nuh in 2023 and has faced charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Despite the BJP branding him as a communal leader, Khan asserts his commitment to raise the Meo voice in the Assembly. “I have never spoken about religion but always addressed vigilantism in the name of cow protection. Meos are tortured and lynched by maniac vigilantes. I raised this issue prominently, and the BJP orchestrated the Nuh riots to frame me. The public mandate has proven me right. I will continue to fight for Nuh and Mewat and expose the regime,” he stated.

In February, Khan was charged under the UAPA for alleged involvement in the Nuh violence, which erupted after a procession by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad was attacked on July 31, 2023. The clashes resulted in six fatalities, including two home guards and a cleric. Former Minister Aftab Ahmed, who also represents Nuh, emphasised that although the Congress party lost statewide, Mewat has firmly chosen Congress. “We have been ignored for 10 years, and we expect nothing positive from this BJP government that thrives on political vendetta. This term, the Vidhan Sabha will hear Mewat’s voice the loudest. We will present a special charter of Meo demands in the Assembly,” he said.

Congress leader Mohammad Iliyas, representing Punhana, added that the BJP will be held accountable for the deterioration of livelihoods and the standard of living in the region.