Congress appoints Shahnawaz Alam as chief of UP-minority cell

The Congress party has appointed a core member of Priyanka Gandhi’s team, Shahnawaz Alam as the head of the Uttar Pradesh minority cell on Saturday. Signed by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, a letter was issued in this regard on Saturday evening.

Alam, a native of Balia district is being referred as another “young Turk” of the Congress party, discovered by Priyanka Gandhi.

Phrase “young Turk” is used for former prime minister Chandrasekhar, who was also a native of Balia district. Known for his conviction and courage to fight vested interest in politics, Chandrasekhar is still revered as the “young Turk” of the Congress party in mass memory.

A UP watcher told NH that appointment of the 36-year old Alam as the head of the minority cell, marks an important turn in the party’s approach towards minority community in Uttar Pradesh.

“Till some time ago, the grand old party’s approach towards the largest minority group was of passive interaction. But, with the appointment of Alam, it seems that the party wants to engage with the community and send out a message that the party, under the leadership of Priyanka Gandhi is ready to play from the front foot,” he added.

Alam who worked with the famous Rihai Manch – a human rights group, before joining active politics in 2018, spent more than a decade in student politics in Allahabad.

During his days at the University of Allahabad, Alam led many students’ movements and raised several issues related to the welfare of the student community.

Considered as one of the most recognized faces of the AISA in and around Allahabad, Alam shot to fame in 2011 when he, along with Rajeev Yadav released a documentary named “Saffron War – Radicalization of Hinduism” tracking down the rise of Yogi Adityanath from a Sanyasi to the powerful right-wing pontifical politician.

Available in the You Tube for free; this documentary is known as one of the most authentic video-document chronicling communal politics of UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

Alam has also penned down over a dozen booklets on socio-political issues. His book “Operation Akshardham” co-authored with Rajeev Yadav, exposes lies of the then Gujarat government (led by Modi) about so-called terrorist attack on Akshardham temple.

Written after a thorough research and field work, the book shows how Gujarat police used torture and fabrication of documents as a tool to implicate innocents who all were later acquitted by the Supreme Court.

Alam spoke to NH immediately after being appointed as the head of the minority cell of the UPCC. Outlining his priorities, he told over the phone that the Congress’ job is to make Muslims “non-apologetic”.

“Muslims in Uttar Pradesh lived in dilemma for decades. Identity question makes them apologetic. Whether it is SP or BSP, both used them as their vote bank but never gave them due participation,” said Alam adding, “Congress is committed to bring Muslim youths who are non-apologetic about their identity and who are ready to fight for their rights, in the mainstream politics in Uttar Pradesh”.

He further added, “My understanding of the Muslim politics is very different from those of SP-BSP or other opposition parties. Muslim politics by default gets trapped in anti-Modi jugglery. We do not want this to be followed.” “Muslims want participation in the system. Congress will make space for them in the state politics. We want to nurture non-apologetic, aggressive Muslim leadership in the state,” said Alam.

A Delhi based journalist who knows Alam since his university days, said, “He is the best choice for the post as Congress is gearing up for the assembly election. His elevation will certainly help party to infuse young blood in the grand old party”.