Former CPM MLA Abdus Sattar Appointed Chief Advisor for Minority Affairs by Mamata Banerjee's Government Amid Political Shifts

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, November 6, 2024, Kolkata :  Abdus Sattar, a former CPM legislator from Amdanga, has found himself at the center of a political storm following his appointment as the Chief Advisor to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on minority affairs. This appointment, announced after the Durga Puja festivities, also includes his role as an advisor to the State Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Departments. In a significant move, Sattar will enjoy the status and privileges equivalent to a minister.

Dr. Sattar's unexpected appointment is stirring political debates in Bengal, particularly because of its timing. The state is preparing for by-elections in six Assembly constituencies, including Naihati in North 24 Parganas, an area close to Sattar's former constituency of Amdanga. However, political analysts suggest that the by-election factor, while notable, is secondary to the broader political considerations driving this decision.

Sattar, a former CPI(M) minister and Amdanga MLA, will receive a salary equivalent to a state cabinet minister, pending approval from his current institution, where he serves as an associate professor. Sattar has a long political career, having been elected in 2006 and serving in the Left Front government before TMC's rise in 2011.

The appointment of Sattar, signals a shift in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) strategy as the party seeks to bolster its standing among Bengal’s minority communities. Although TMC has historically enjoyed strong support among the state's minority population, party insiders have long acknowledged the absence of a prominent leader who can effectively galvanize and represent these communities at the grassroots level.

Abdus Sattar, with his background in Left-wing politics, is seen as a fresh face with the political acumen necessary to address the concerns of the minority population in Bengal. His experience, coupled with his professional credentials, makes him an ideal candidate to lead efforts in improving the socio-economic conditions of the minority communities. According to a senior Trinamool leader, Sattar’s deep understanding of the issues facing minorities is expected to strengthen the party’s outreach and help it maintain its stronghold among this vital voter bloc.

One of the main reasons behind Sattar’s appointment, according to political observers, is the growing demand within the TMC for a more dynamic and capable leader to handle minority affairs. While figures like Firhad Hakim, the TMC Minister for Urban Development, hold significant positions within the government, his leadership has faced criticism for a lack of political discipline. In particular, Hakim’s handling of sensitive issues in places like Amata and Bogtui has raised doubts about his ability to effectively manage minority concerns in the state.

The TMC’s leadership, recognizing the need for a more energetic and focused figure, has turned to Sattar to fill this gap. His appointment comes at a time when the party is looking to solidify its base, particularly in constituencies where the minority vote plays a crucial role.

Though the timing of Sattar's appointment coincides with the upcoming by-elections in Bengal, including in areas like Naihati and nearby Amdanga, many within the party view this as a minor factor in the decision. Instead, the key motivation appears to be the long-term strategy of enhancing the party’s influence among Bengal's Muslim population, particularly in rural and suburban constituencies where the TMC has historically had a stronger hold.

Sattar's background as a former CPM MLA makes his alignment with TMC particularly noteworthy, signaling the evolving political landscape in Bengal. The TMC has been working to consolidate its position in the state’s volatile political terrain, and appointing a leader with Sattar's experience may well be part of a larger plan to secure its dominance.

Abdus Sattar’s role will not be confined merely to political strategy; his appointment also reflects the government's serious commitment to addressing the pressing concerns of the state's minority communities. As Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister on Minority Affairs, Sattar will be tasked with overseeing development programs, educational initiatives, and socio-economic projects aimed at uplifting Bengal's Muslim population.

Sattar's appointment also underscores the growing importance of the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Departments, both of which have come under scrutiny in recent years due to issues like educational disparity and economic underdevelopment in minority-majority areas.

With his academic credentials and Left-leaning political background, Sattar is expected to bring a balanced, thoughtful approach to these issues, integrating his understanding of both governance and the needs of the minority community.

In the wake of Abdus Sattar's appointment, political observers will be closely watching how this move impacts the Trinamool Congress' position in the state, especially as Bengal approaches key by-elections and as the party prepares for future electoral challenges. His ability to unite minority communities, while navigating the complexities of Bengal's political landscape, will be critical in determining his success in this new role.

For the Trinamool Congress, Sattar’s appointment appears to be more than just a political gesture. It represents a calculated move to strengthen its base, diversify its leadership, and ensure the party remains attuned to the needs of Bengal’s minority communities, securing its future in a rapidly changing political environment.