Lower-caste Hindus see greater presence

About a dozen Hindus participating in elections from Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas divisions

KARACHI:

Lower-caste Hindus in Pakistan are carving a niche for themselves in the political arena, boldly stepping into the electoral fray on general seats.

The surge in participation is particularly pronounced in the Mirpur Khas division, home to districts such as Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, and Tharparkar, where a majority population of non-Muslims, especially Hindus, resides.About a dozen Hindus are participating in elections from Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas divisions, with a key focus on NA-215 Mithi, NA-213 Umerkot, and PS-45 Mirpurkhas. Notably, all three candidates in these constituencies are up against Muslim opponents.

In NA-215 Mithi, PPP’s Mahesh Kumar Malani, who secured victory in the general elections 2018, faces Arbab Ghulam Rahim, a prominent leader of the GDA and former chief minister of Sindh. Local analysts believe Malani, with Hindu voter dominance, is well-positioned to defeat his archrival.

"Malani is a public figure and knows how to maintain a strong connection with the masses," Sajid Bajeer, a journalist based in Mithi, said.In Mirpur Khas’s PS-45, Seth Hari Ram Kishori holds a favourable position despite contending against a Muslim candidate from an upper caste – Syed.

Senior journalist Muhammad Hasham Shar from Mirpur Khas commented: "Despite the other candidate being Syed, Kishori is in a winning position." He said that the competition among both is interesting as well.

In another Hindu-majority district Umerkot, former PTI National Assembly member Lal Malhi, now vying for the general seat from NA-213, faces stiff competition from PPP’s Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Malhi expresses optimism, stating, "This constituency is Hindu majority, and I hope to win this seat."Interestingly, PTI has emulated PPP by nominating candidates from lower castes, including Lekhraj from PS-50, Pehlaj Kolhi from PS-53, Lajpat Bheel from PS-54, and Bhanji Kolhi from PS-55.

Malhi emphasized the importance of political party backing for candidates, stating that: "a candidate without a political party’s support cannot win a seat."

In contrast, the major political party PML-N has not nominated any candidates for general seats, citing its direct support for the Grand Democratic Alliance as one of the reasons.

However, Kheeal Das Kohistani, a senior leader and former MNA, clarified that PML-N has recommended candidates from lower castes for reserved seats.Neelam Kumari represents women on the reserved seat in the National Assembly, he said.

Kohistani highlighted that PML-N interviewed 118 non-Muslim candidates, claiming that the selection process was based on pure merit. "We have given due space to those who were ignored in the past [by any political party]," he maintained.
Political analyst Ashfaq Laghari views the inclusion of lower-caste Hindus in the 2024 general elections as a positive development. He commended PPP’s Krishna Kumari, a rights activist and Senator since 2018, for serving as a source of inspiration and symbolising inclusivity.

Educationist Partab Shivani attributes this progress to increased awareness, emphasizing that despite the reluctance of upper-caste Hindus, the presence of lower-caste Hindus in parliament is essential. Shivani noted that Hindus reside not only in the Mirpur Khas division but also in significant numbers in Badin, Ghotki, Jamshoro district, and Karachi.

Political and social activist Mukesh Meghwar highlighted the challenges faced by Hindus in securing general seats, stating that political parties are hesitant to allocate these seats to Hindus due to the anticipated lack of support from Muslim voters.

"Muslims will not support if a Hindu is given a chance by a political party, and parties are well aware of this fact."

The analysts believe that the 2024 general elections in Pakistan mark a positive shift with lower-caste Hindus gaining representation in general seats, challenging stereotypes, and contributing to a more inclusive political landscape.