Syed Shahabuddin

Syed Shahabuddin (born 1935) is an Indian politician from the town of Ranchi, India. Originally Shahabuddin was a diplomat working for the Indian Foreign Service but later became a politician and served three terms between 1979 and 1996 as a member of the Parliament of India. He is known for his involvement in the Shah Bano case and his opposition to the Demolition of Babri Masjid.^[1]

Career

Shahabuddin has had many roles, usually relating to government and politics. These roles include a diplomat, an ambassador and a politician. During his time as a politician, Shahabuddin was the Joint Secretary in charge of South East Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific in the Ministry of External Affairs. He founded the Insaf Party in 1989 (dissolved in 1990 and later revived). He is known for his strong belief in the federal structure of India and his desire to see more people participating at every level of governance.^[1] He has made several statements over the years highlighting his beliefs, for example on the 16th November 2012 he published an open letter to Narendra Modi regarding Muslim voters amongst other things.^[2] He has often called for persistent action against corruption, nepotism and inefficiency, for democracy within political parties and for equitable distribution of national income and resources in order to provide a life of minimum dignity for all people.^[1]

Social work

He was involved with many Muslim institutions and organizations including the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, of which he was the President between 2004 and 2007.

Involvement in the Media

Shahabuddin edited the research monthly journal 'Muslim India' between 1983 and 2002 and again from July 2006. He is a regular contributor to TV discussions relating to current affairs. He has also written many articles about topics ranging from Pakistan to the status of Urdu for the Saudi Arabian newspaper Arab News.^[3] His journal is praiseworthy and informative,a basis for welfare and planning for progress.

Criticism

Shahabuddin has received some criticism for his failure to bring major changes to the 'backward' constituency of Kishanganj from which he has been elected.^[4] He has also received criticism for his open letter to Narendra Modi.^[5]

Biography

Syed Shahabuddin: Outstanding Voice of Muslim India, compiled by Mushtaque Madni, published by P.A. Inamdar was released in a book release function in Constitution Club of India on April 21, 2013 with the Salman Khurshid Hon'ble Minister of External Affairs, GOI, as Chief Guest and Shri K. Rahman Khan Hon'ble Minister of Minority Affairs, GOI, New Delhi presided over the function.

References