The upcoming election for the India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) in New Delhi has sparked intense competition and debate. On 11 August, 2,034 voters, mainly top bureaucrats and leaders, will choose an 11-member governing body.
Prominent Figures Contest IICC Presidency
Former Minister and senior Congress leader Salman Khursheed is vying for the role of IICC President. His challenger is Dr Majid Ahmed Talikoti, a renowned cancer surgeon and convener of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), an RSS-affiliated organisation. The current IICC President, industrialist Sirajuddin Qureshi, has decided not to run again due to health concerns but supports Dr Talikoti’s panel.
RSS Affiliate Challenges Congress Veteran
Dr Talikoti, originally from Karnataka, is often seen alongside RSS leader Indresh Kumar at MRM events. The MRM aims to improve relations between India’s major religious communities. When asked about his RSS ties, Dr Talikoti stated he maintains relationships with everyone and seeks to promote religious harmony, bridge societal gaps, and raise awareness on cultural, educational, and health issues.
Controversy Surrounds Elite Cultural Institution
The election has reignited debates about the IICC’s relevance. Dr Fyzie criticised the IICC as an “elite club of Ashrafs” and likened it to a “mini Pakistan inside India”. He questioned why the government allocated valuable land in Delhi’s Lutyens zone to a club with mostly upper-class Muslim members, many of whom live abroad.
Dr Fyzie argued that the IICC promotes Muslim exclusiveness, which he believes contributed to the creation of Pakistan and fosters anti-India sentiments. He also questioned why similar cultural centres don’t exist for other minority religions in India.
Sirajuddin Qureshi emphasised that this election is crucial for protecting the IICC from politicisation. As the contest heats up, the future direction of this influential cultural institution hangs in the balance, reflecting broader debates about representation and inclusivity in Indian society.
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