Urdu Press Analysis: Political Turmoil in Assam and Maharashtra, Budget Fallout
The Urdu press this week has cast a critical eye on several unfolding political dramas across India, from Assam to Maharashtra, while also dissecting the economic implications of the recently presented Union Budget. Editorials from prominent Urdu dailies have highlighted concerns over constitutional values, leadership vacuums, and the financial burdens on common citizens.
Assam CM's Divisive Rhetoric Against Miya Muslims
Inquilab, in its January 30 editorial, has strongly condemned Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his recent tirade against Bengali-origin Muslims, whom he derogatorily refers to as "Miyas." The editorial points out that Sarma's statements, where he claimed it is his "work" to "trouble Miyas" and suggested they would leave Assam only if faced with difficulties, reveal a deeply divisive mindset.
The daily notes that Sarma has openly called for economic boycott by urging people not to pay full fares to Miya rickshaw-pullers and has instructed BJP workers to file complaints with the Election Commission to delete Miya voters from electoral rolls. This, according to Inquilab, constitutes a blatant subversion of the Constitution, which guarantees fundamental rights to every citizen.
"The machinery of the state is being mobilised against a specific community, with the CM acting as jury, judge, and executioner, bypassing established legal frameworks for detecting illegal immigrants," the editorial asserts. It raises alarming questions about who has empowered Sarma to equate Assam's Muslims with Bangladeshis—whether it is the Constitution or the politics of hate.
Inquilab calls for immediate judicial intervention, urging the Supreme Court or High Court to take suo motu cognisance of Sarma's remarks. It also appeals to opposition parties and Muslim bodies to unite against this "storm of hate," framing the issue as a critical test of India's constitutional integrity.
NCP Leadership Crisis After Ajit Pawar's Demise
Siasat, in its January 31 editorial, delves into the political upheaval in Maharashtra following the tragic death of NCP president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati. The sudden demise has not only stirred state politics but has also created significant uncertainty for the two NCP factions—one led by Sharad Pawar and the other previously helmed by Ajit Pawar.
The editorial reveals that there were clear indications Ajit Pawar was seeking a reunion with his uncle Sharad Pawar to unify the NCP groups, with a merger expected by mid-February after local body polls. His untimely death has dealt a severe blow to this reconciliation process, though the possibility of merger remains strong, given that talks were initiated by Ajit himself.
Now, a key question looms: who will lead a united NCP? Siasat reports that factions are divided, with some leaders backing Sharad Pawar's return to leadership, while others advocate for Sunetra Pawar, Ajit's wife, to take the helm. The name of Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar's daughter and Baramati MP, is also circulating as a potential candidate.
"The outcome of this leadership tussle will be crucial not only for the NCP and the Pawar family but also for the future trajectory of Maharashtra politics," the edit states. It highlights that if a unified NCP decides to remain with the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition, it could lead to a break with the Opposition INDIA alliance. Conversely, leaving the Devendra Fadnavis government would be necessary if they align with the opposition. The BJP is closely monitoring these developments, leveraging its expertise in managing such political scenarios.
Union Budget 2026-27: A Mixed Bag for Aam Aadmi and Markets
Siasat, in its February 2 editorial, offers a critical assessment of the Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. While the Modi government has touted the Budget as a booster for growth and economic strength, the daily points out several shortcomings that affect the common people.
The Budget has failed to address key concerns of the aam aadmi, with no changes made to income tax slabs and no relief provided against rising prices and increasing household expenditures. This omission has left many feeling overlooked, as inflationary pressures continue to strain family budgets.
On the economic front, the Budget triggered negative sentiments in the stock markets, which slumped by 2% on the day of its presentation. This decline was primarily due to a proposed hike in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) for futures and options, aimed at curbing speculative trading. Both the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 registered sharp falls, causing setbacks for investors at a time when foreign investors are already pulling out significant funds.
"In the absence of any positive stimulus from the Budget, the sentiments of people as well as markets have been dampened," the editorial notes. It calls for a thorough review by the government and corrective measures to restore investor confidence, emphasizing that market volatility, while inherent, requires careful management to prevent widespread economic distress.
Overall, the Urdu press underscores a week of significant political and economic developments, urging accountability, unity, and constitutional adherence in the face of rising challenges.
