Patna: In an effort to bring the people of different religions together and remove the misunderstandings against each other, Patna based Islamic Dawah and Research Foundation (IDRF) organized a program on May 1 at Anjuman Islamia Hall in Patna.
Speaking on the occasion, Dharamacharya Swami Harinarayanand, General Secretary, Bharat Sadhu Samaj, said: “The goodness of people lies in establishing justice, extending helping hands towards needy irrespective of their religions, caste and creed. The good character and morality make people big in the eye of God as well as human beings” he added.
Swami Harinarayanand speaking while Acharya Shri Sudarshan ji Maharaj (in green dress) on his right
He said that every religion commanded its followers to protect and respect humanity but some people especially politicians are using religion for wrong purpose to avail their own benefits. “These mischief mongers should remember that their power and posts will not remain always with them as they have to leave this world one day. Therefore, they should work for the betterment of humanity and not for destroying it” he said.
In his lecture on ‘Similarity between Islam and Hinduism’ Engineer Khurshid Imam from Bangalore said: “The main reason for misconceptions about each other is that we do not try to understand each other, we do not read the original religious sources of each other. In this context such interfaith program is very important”.
He said that there are many things that are similar in both Islam and Hinduism. To prove his claim, he gave various examples with the reference of verses from the scriptures. “We need to read religious scripture of both the religions then we would find similarity in various aspects. For example, Quran says that there is no God but Allah. The same message is given in original Vedas and Bible but most of the people do not know because they did not read it. Similarly, Quran asked human beings to worship Allah alone. The same commandment is available in Vedas and Bible” Khurshid Imam said.
Audience
“A religion shows a healthy way of life which brings people close to God. When human beings surrender themselves completely then he became a true follower of religion” said Acharya Shri Sudarshan ji Maharaj from Gurgaon.
Commenting on prayer system in Islam he said: “Today, people are adopting yoga for good health but Muslims were taught to offer prayer hundreds of years ago. One who offers prayers five times a day will never need yoga to maintain his health.”
Emphasizing on continuous interfaith dialogue he said that we all need to come on one platform to understand each other and establish peaceful society.
Patna: The Indian Union Muslim League has demanded Union Government to dismiss immediately Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the wake of IPS and IAS officers’ allegations that he played key role in the killing of thousands of Muslims in 2002 infamous Gujarat riot by asking senior police officers to let Hindu mobs vent their anger against Muslims.
“We demand from Central Government to dismiss Modi immediately and arrest him for killing thousands of Muslims in 2002 Gujarat riot. I think after so many evidences came to the light against him, no reasons left to let him to be on the post” said Prof. Dr. Basir Ahmed Khan, National President of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) while talking to TCN over phone.
Criticizing Central Government for not taking action against Modi he said: “Modi would have been behind bar long ago, if Central Government has taken action but it always escaped the issue saying court can take decision on the matter. But it is an unacceptable excuse because Centre has power to dismiss the state government if it fails to maintain law and order in the state. Is there any doubt that Modi government failed to protect its citizens?” he asked.
“In my opinion, Congress did not act against Modi and always has soft corner for him because it has been using him for getting votes of Muslims. When elections come it creates fear of Modi among Muslims and asks votes to stop him from the top post. Therefore, it does not want bury the issue by taking action against Modi” he alleged.
Dr. Basir said that there are same reasons behind banning SIMI without adequate proofs and letting free RSS, Ram Sena and Abhinav Bharat despite plenty of evidences are available against them.
“Before coming to power, Congress promised to take action against Modi but it did not fulfill it till today. Congress makes new statements time to time on sensitive issues through Digvijay Singh but when it comes to action it fails” he added.
Notably, Senior IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt revealed in his affidavit to Supreme Court that at a special meeting on 27th Feb. 2002 Modi asked top police officers of the state to let the rioting mobs vent their anger to teach Muslims a lesson.
While suspended IAS officer Pradeep Sharma has alleged that during 2002 anti-Muslim riots, an official of chief minister’s office (CMO) approached him to ask his brother Kuldeep Sharma, who was Inspector General of Police, not to protect Muslims.
At the time of riot Pradeep Sharma was municipal commissioner of Jamnagar while his brother Kuldeep Sharma was Inspector General of Police of Ahmedabad Range.
Patna: With reinstatement of Prof. Ghulam Ghaus as Opposition Leader of Bihar Legislative Council (Upper House) recently, a new history was written in the state: It is the first time when the post of Opposition Leader in both Houses of Bihar legislature is being held by Muslims. Abdul Bari Siddiqui, who also comes from Ghaus’s party RJD, is Opposition Leader in Bihar Legislative Assembly.
Former state Minister and RJD MLA Siddiqui is heading Opposition in Assembly while Ghulam Ghaus, who has served as Opposition Leader in the Council from 2005 to 2010, has started his new inning of the same post.
Abdul Bari Siddiqui
Though RJD has only 22 members in the current Assembly, Abdul Bari Siddiqui is executing the job of a strong and effective Opposition Leader which made the RJD presence felt in the House, and in the state. Besides using his own chances to quiz the government on several issues, he does not miss the opportunities of sub-question in the House. Interestingly, he does not raise the issue verbally and lightly, rather he argues equipped with facts and documents; therefore he made government speechless several times.
Abdul Bari Siddiqui
It is said that after many years Bihar Assembly has got strong Opposition Leader in the form of Mr. Siddiqui. Even Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar has admitted that Mr. Siddiqui does not leave any stone unturned to attack on the government.
Abdul Bari Siddiqui, who was the part of Jayaprakash Narayan’s movement in the 1970s, is a close friend of and loyal to RJD Chief Mr. Lalu Prasad Yadav. He is among big faces of RJD as well as Muslim leaders in the state.
He represented Bahera constituency in Darbhanga district thrice (1995 to 2010) and in 2010 Assembly Election he won from Alinagar constituency in the same district. Lalu Prasad fielded Mr. Siddiqui as party candidate of Madhubani constituency in 2009 Lok Sabha Election against Dr. Shakeel Ahmad of Congress and Hukum Deo Narayan Yadav of BJP. Though he lost to Hukum Deo with a margin of 4000 votes, he proved his popularity by pushing Dr. Shakeel Ahmad, who won the seat two times, at No. 3.
The 63-year-old Mr. Siddiqui held various portfolios in Lalu-Rabri regime since 1995 to 2005. Besides, he also served as Bihar president of RJD for three consecutive terms.
In 2010 Assembly Election RJD faced embarrassing defeat by getting only 22 seats out of 243. Many big RJD leaders lost their seats including former Opposition Leader Rabri Devi and her deputy Shakeel Ahmad Khan, but Mr. Siddiqui won and thus he was given the responsibility of Opposition Leader which he is carrying on successfully and effectively.
Prof. Ghulam Ghaus
On the other hand Prof. Ghulam Ghaus, who is nephew of late freedom fighter and ex- Minister and Speaker of Bihar Assembly Mr. Ghulam Sarwar, also did well in his job as Opposition Leader in Legislative Council in his first term.
Prof. Ghulam Ghaus
Three-time MLC Mr. Ghaus faced some difficulties to retain the post for the second term as the ruling alliance of JDU-BJP was not willing to accept him as Opposition Leader. Before Bihar Assembly Elections in Oct-Nov 2010, RJD recommended his name for the post but chairman of the Bihar Legislative Council, Tara Kant Jha put the issue on hold until elections were over. But even several months after the elections and despite written application by Abdul Bari Siddiqui to the chairman demanding appointment of Mr. Ghulam Ghaus as Opposition Leader it did not happen.
However, as Bihar Legislative Council was going to organize centenary celebration on 22 March 2011, which was attended by President Pratibha Singh Patil, Mr. Tara Kant Jha on 18 March announced that RJD member, Ghulam Ghaus, has been made Leader of the Opposition in the House.
Patna: “Dirty politics has played key role in spreading hatred among the communities who have been living together in the country for centuries. Though all the religions teach peace, harmony and brotherhood, politicians used the religious sentiments to spread communalism for their own benefits, and British government was founder of that mischief” said eminent scholar, writer and social activist Prof. Ram Puniyani.
He was delivering a lecture on “Religious tolerance for inter-community harmony” organized by the Bihar chapter of The Temple of Understanding (An Inter-Faith Global Association) here at Government Urdu Library in Patna on 13thMarch 2011.
Prof Ram Puniyani is speaking while (R-L) Ajmal Farid, Editor,Urdu daily Qaumi Tanzeem and Sachitanand Sinha,President of Temple of Understanding on the stage
Prof Puniyani said that today’s politics means to gain benefits for some selected people by sidelining the majority of the people while religion means to think about all the members of the society. Though there is contrast between the two things, politicians with the help of some people of the society mixed them up.
He stressed the fact that with exception of few mischief mongers majority of the Indians whether Muslims or Hindus or any other community are peace-loving otherwise country would have been destroyed so far.
British Govt. is founder of communal hatred
These politicians adopted the theory of British government ‘divide and rule’ to serve their own purposes. It is true that world’s biggest movements for freedom succeed in India by the virtue of united struggle of all the Indians irrespective of their religions, castes and creeds. But it is also a fact that after Muslims and Hindus fought together against British Government in 1857giving sleepless nights to them, the English played various tricks to divide the Indians on the lines of religions and castes.
The Babarnama, which was originally written in Persian language, was translated by a British lady. In the book where Babri Masjid was mentioned she put a footnote saying that perhaps there Ram was born. It was the foundation stone of Babri Masjid-Ram temple dispute which continues till today. None has proof that it was birthplace of Ram, said Prof Ram Puniyani.
The Britons propagated among Hindus that Mahmood Ghaznawi attacked Somnath Mandir for religious purpose and thus humiliated the Hindu religion. While the same British misled Muslims that the Mahmood Ghaznawi was the real ideal and hero for them as he strived against idol-worship.
L-R: Ajmal Farid,Editor Urdu daily Qaumi Tanzim, Prof.Ram Puniyani and I.C. Kumar, Member of Temple of Understanding
In an attempt to twist the factual history, British Government propagated that Islam was spread in India by force. While the fact is that people attracted towards Islam because of its principle of social justice. People of lower castes were not allowed to entre mandirs and they were denied of any status in the society. On the contrary, at dargahs and mazars everyone was allowed be they Muslims or non-Muslims. This gave chance to lower castes Hindus to interact with Sufi saints and learn about Islam.
Neither Muslim nor Hindu emperors fought for religion
No emperors fought for their religions but their fights were totally for power (iqtidar) or wealth. For instance, Mahmood Ghaznawi attacked on Somnath Mandir for wealth because if he wanted to humiliate idols or spread Islam why he did not do that by attacking thousands of mandirs in his way from Ghaznah to India and why he demolished a mosque in Multan after the local ruler stopped him to enter the city. More importantly, 30% of Mahmood’s troops were Hindus and out of total 12 commanders 5 were Hindus.
Babar that is a hateful name today among Hindus came to India on the call of a Hindu ruler Rana Sanga who sought help from him in the war against a Muslim emperor Ibrahim Lodhi.
Aurangzeb who is known as anti-Hindus emperor attacked Shivaji when he received helping call from Hindu businessmen of Surat who were looted time and again by Shivaji’s troops. It is also notable that 34% of Aurangzeb’s troops were Hindus.
Similarly, the fight between Akbar and Rana Pratap Singh was for power. Because neither Akbar nor Rana Pratap Singh came to battleground but Hakim Khan came as chief commander of Rana Pratap Singh and Man Singh along with Shahzada Saleem came as the chief commander of Akbar.
These historical facts are enough to prove that Muslim and Hindu emperors and rulers fought but not for religions otherwise their troops never consisted of people of other religions. But British Govt. omitted the factual history from the minds of people and gave them communal and religious colours.
Hindu rulers too demolished mandirs
It might be true that some Muslim rulers demolished some mandirs but it was not for the religious purpose as the history tells that Hindu rulers too demolished mandirs after overcoming other rulers. Muslims came to India in 6th century while many incidents took place before that in which Hindu rulers demolished mandirs of other rulers, Prof Puniyani said.
Audience
Challenges and steps ahead
After tireless efforts and sacrifice our country got freedom but before leaving the country British sowed the seed of communalism and hatred that is creating problems for us today and we have paid much price for that.
“We need to come together to fight against those who are damaging communal harmony and spreading poison of hatred among the communities. We need to read and understand the real and true history and spread the same among the people specially youths who are the future of the country. We need to show the unity to defeat the communal forces as we did for the freedom struggle,” Prof Puniyani urged while ending his lecture.
Patna: Muslim Members of Parliament cutting across party affiliation have strongly advocated withdrawal of Haj subsidy, and to ensure better facilities for Hajis and streamline bureaucratic procedure they have demanded constitution of a separate Haj Ministry. The MPs also demanded long-term agreement with airlines for better facilities on low fares.
To discuss ways to provide better facilities to Haj pilgrims of the country, Union Minister for External Affairs S M Krishna called a meeting of Muslim MPs on March 7 in New Delhi where they raised several issues related to Haj operation.
Besides withdrawal of subsidy, the MPs also demanded the Minister to take steps to ensure better accommodation facilities for the pilgrims at Saudi Arabia and grant permanent passports to all of them instead of issuing temporary passports to those who do not have permanent.
The MPs also urged the Minister to explore the option beyond Air India for the journey as it provides old aircrafts without basic facilities.
It is a fact that despite paying good amount of money, Indian Haj pilgrims face lots of problems every year. They are not provided with better travel facilities because of that they have to spend several hours at airports. Their accommodations are also arranged at far distance of pilgrimage sites in Saudi Arabia and they have to walk several kilometres in scorching heat. Besides, their belongings are not sent with them and sometimes it took a year for that to reach them and sometimes they never receive their luggage.
The Haj subsidy has been an instrument for the government to cover up its shortcomings and problems of Haj pilgrims and also it has been an eye-sore for communal forces who always call it an appeasement of Muslims. While the fact is that private travel agencies are providing better services on the same amount that Hajis pay to Haj Committee. In such circumstances, the demand for withdrawal of subsidy seems right.
"We do not need subsidy. It is like an alm which we do not need. A long-term policy should be evolved where subsidy can be withdrawn. We can set up a corporation on the lines of one in Malaysia to handle Haj travel. The powers of the corporation should be centralized and not divided as is the case now" Rajya Sabha MP and Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind General Secretary Mahmood Madani said after the meeting.
Lok Sabha MP Syed Shahnawaz Hussain of BJP echoed Madani: “Subsidy has no meaning as the middlemen make profit out of it instead of the common man who goes to perform Haj”.
One of the main reasons for poor Haj service is that it is operated by three Ministries—External Affairs Ministry, Civil Aviation Ministry, Minority Affairs Ministry—and Haj Committee of India. The officials of all these departments do not admit their faults for the problems of the Hajis, therefore, they do not make plan to avoid that mistake in future. Every department puts blame on other and thus escapes accountability.
Keeping all these problems in mind, MP Maulana Badruddin Ajmal demanded the government to create an independent Haj ministry to handle the Haj operation in better way.
“I would like to reiterate my demand for creation of an independent Haj & Wakf Ministry. I have written to Hon’ble Prime Minister and Chairperson UPA, Ms. Sonia Gandhi demanding the same. I solicit the support of this August gathering and also Hon’ble Minister for an Independent Haj & Wakf Ministry for efficient management of the one of the five pillars of the faith of the 15 crores Muslims of India” Ajmal said in his letter to S M Krishna. He could not attend the meeting.
Maulana Ajmal also pointed out that the pilgrims of Assam and other North East states face more problems due to communication gap and demanded the increase of the volunteers and officials especially doctors proportionate to the numbers of pilgrims in case of Assam and North East states.
Besides, he demanded timely providing of passports to aspirants, making sure journey through aircrafts equipped with good facilities, providing correct details of journey to pilgrims and initiative to stop rude behavior of crews during the journey.
New Delhi: Maulana Vastanvi may praise Modi’s Gujarat for ‘no discrimination against minorities’, but the factual evidences tell a different story --.atrocities and discrimination against Muslims and lawlessness are rampant in the state. Interestingly, the latest incident of state police cruelty on Muslims has happened at Bardoli area of Vastanvi’s home district Surat.
On 20th Jan. 2011, Maulana Vstanavi’s praising words for Modi hit the headlines while on the same day several Muslims including children and women were arrested, abused, tortured and threatened by the police in the Bardoli city of Surat wherein falls Vastan – the village of Maulana Ghulam Muhammed Vastanvi. Their only crime was that they along with secular minded Hindus were preparing to celebrate the Republic Day together without any association of the state government.
The office bearers of an NGO named Noorie Parivaar (NP) disclosed the case with documentary evidences on 3rd Feb. at a press conference in New Delhi.
“Our organization has been working for the unity of people in the country. As part of our unity programs, we have been organizing programs to celebrate Independence Day and Republic Day every year at different places wherein our members from across the country and cutting across the religious boundary participate” said Kishor Kumar,NP President of Gujarat province.
“This year we planned to celebrate Republic Day at Kranti Maidan in Pulsana near Bardoli of Surat district. Police asked us not to celebrate R-Day with Muslims but we continued preparing. On 20th Jan.2011, a Police team came to the site and arrested our 16 members mostly Muslims including a 2-year old boy and one and half year old girl. They were abused and tortured and then booked falsely for disrespecting national flag, robbing mobiles and illegally gathering” alleged Kishor Kumar.
“This all happened on the indication of RSS member Suraj Pandy because he does not want that Hinds and Muslims come together. When we reached police station for the release of the arrested people, police refused saying they cannot be released before R-Day. They were put in the jail. We appealed to Jail superintendent to release minor children but it fell on the deaf” he added.
He further said that they contacted Commissioner and complained about the rude manner of police but he also defended the police and justified the illegal detention a legal action. “We filed petition in High Court against it where Jail superintendent said that he was unaware that there were any minor children among those arrested” he added.
“After R-Day was over, the people behind the arrest contacted us and asked for Rs 70 thousand per head for the release of the arrested people. They said they have setting in Police as well as courts so they can do this. Otherwise, it will be very difficult for the arrested people to come out of jail soon” he added.
The NP decided to give them some money to know about others who are indulged in the game. “When we talked to them, we came to know that not only police but senior officers, lawyers and even some judges are involved” he added.
Mr. Kishor gave a CD to the reporters which contains the telephonic conversation between the member of NP and the RSS member which revealed the story of lawlessness in Gujarat.
However, on 1st Feb. the accused were released on bail by High Court.Meanwhile, they filed complaints in High Court and Supreme Court that they were abused and tortured during the illegal custody. In his comment on whole dilemma, Supreme Court Lawyer Mr. B.S.Bilowaria said: “It is shameful matter for our country, the largest democracy in the world, that minorities are discriminated by government machinery.”
“On one hand BJP is shouting that they were not allowed to hoist tricolor at Lal Chowk in Kashmir and on the other hand BJP ruled sate did not allow the Muslims to unfurl the same flag. Isn’t it obvious contrast between the BJP’s act and claim?” he asked.
Mr. Bilowaria, who is also NP president of Delhi province, urged the government to take tough action to stop harassment and atrocities against Muslims and other weaker sections of the society.
Patna: To offer tribute to the former Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare for his bold step to expose the Sanghi terror for the first time in the country, Chennai-based organization Darul Islam Foundation Trust (DIFT) has instituted ‘Karkare Award’ this year. Former MLA of Bihar Radhakant Yadav, who is fighting in court to remove mystery behind Karkare’s killing, has been chosen for the maiden award.
“Karkare is the most deserving person for the Bharat Ratna due to his tireless efforts to save the country from being Hindu Rashtra throwing the Constitution of India away and install a fascist govt. based on the ideology of saffron groups” said Ghulam Mohammad, Managing Trustee of DIFT, while talking to TwoCircles.net over phone.
“It is Karkare who brought to light the real perpetrators of terrorism in India which claimed many innocent lives and broke the myth of Islamic terrorism. Otherwise after every terror incident Muslims had been easy prey for police and media. His honest investigation not only washed the blot from Muslims but also halted the bomb blast that was taking place frequently,” he added.
“Our organization has decided to institute the ‘Karkare Award’ to salute and honor the bravery, honesty and talents of slain Hemant Karkare. The award will be given every year to different person in the recognition of his/her contribution for the community and the country” he informed.
Radhakant Yadav
The award will have a citation and a cash amount. This year the maiden award will be conferred on Veteran fighter for justice, Mr. Radhakant Yadav, ex-MLA of Bihar. The award will be handed over to him in a function to be held on 27th Feb. 2011 in Mannady city of Tamil Nadu.
Notably, Radhakant Yadav is the man who is seeking justice for Karkare's killing through legal battle. He filed Public Interest Litigation Petition (PIL) in the Supreme Court of India and the criminal writ petition in Mumbai High court. He also fought against the atrocities of the emergency days and was imprisoned.
Talking to TwoCircles.net in Patna, Yadav expressed happiness and thanked Darul Islam Foundation for choosing him for the award. He, however, said that what he did is not for award. I am a devoted Gandhian and Lohiaite. And I work to root out fascism.
He said he raised the issue of Karkare as innocent Muslims were being implicated for terror blasts carried out by Hindtuva extremists. “I raised the voice because innocent Muslims were being tortured in the name of terrorism. The community is facing atrocities. The country cannot progress until this trend is not stopped,” he said.
Lauding the effort of Karkare for exposing the real culprits behind terror blasts in the country, three-time MLA from Madhepura constituency in Bihar, Yadav said: Karkare did a great job. He exposed the ugly face and nefarious design of Hindu extremist group Abhinav Bharat. “On the basis of his probe, several disclosures were made about Hindutva terrorism. And now Swami Aseemanand has confessed his role and involvement of Hindutva groups in terror blasts,” said the octogenarian Yadav.
Lambasting RSS, he said: “RSS has two purposes – create and spread hatred against Muslims and sully the image of Gandhi – the great moderate Hindu. They executed blasts to spread hatred against Muslims and this all for a greater purpose – to maintain control of Brahmins on Indian society which they had for last 5000 years. They did it so that Hindus of lower classes did not rise against them, rather they all get united against Muslims.”
Patna: Read manifestos for ongoing Bihar assembly election by all major parties—RJD-LJP, JD-U, Congress, NCP and BJP— and you will find tall promises for development of Urdu, ironically the second official language of the state. But unlike Charity Begins at Home, you can hardly find campaign materials of these parties in Urdu.
You would find them promising to establish Urdu schools in Muslim areas, to make the language mandatory in school education and to publish official advertisements in it like other languages, but unlike previous ones in this election you would hardly see election posters, banners, hoardings and other election publicity items in Urdu even in Muslim dominated areas.
You will find many stalls selling election publicity items near party offices in Patna. The stalls are full to capacity with several kinds of publicity items but if you ask about availability of such items in Urdu, they will excuse you with disappointing face. This shows parties lack sincere interest in Urdu.
Urdu, which is still battling for its implementation on ground level in the state, was declared as second official language in 1981. Since then before every election political parties had been including it in the agenda for political gain but failed to keep the word after coming to power. Consequently, its status is going down from bad to worse. Not to speak about appointment of new Urdu officials, the present Urdu officials were given some other responsibility. So, now it is almost impossible to get your work done in Urdu in any government departments.
Promises about Urdu in manifestos
RJD-LJP: The party has made 8 promises regarding Urdu. They include making Urdu a medium of writing in all examinations conducted by the State Public Service Commission, appointment of Urdu speaking officials at every police station, publishing all official advertisement in Urdu too and putting sign boards of all government departments as well as roads in Urdu along with other languages.
JD-U: The party will appoint Urdu teachers at all primary and middle schools in the state.
Congress: The party accorded second official language to Urdu but did nothing to implement it. Now it promises to take serious notice of development of Urdu and Urdu knowing people in the state.
BJP: For the development of the minority community, government as well as semi-government agencies like Minority Commission, Urdu Academy, Urdu Advisory Council, Bhar Madarsa Board and Wakf Board will be strengthened, the party promises in its manifesto.
NCP: The Sharad Pawar-led party will increase fund for Urdu Academy to make it affective and recruit Urdu translators.
Patna: Read manifestos for ongoing Bihar assembly election by all major parties—RJD-LJP, JD-U, Congress, NCP and BJP— and you will find tall promises for development of Urdu, ironically the second official language of the state. But unlike Charity Begins at Home, you can hardly find campaign materials of these parties in Urdu.
You would find them promising to establish Urdu schools in Muslim areas, to make the language mandatory in school education and to publish official advertisements in it like other languages, but unlike previous ones in this election you would hardly see election posters, banners, hoardings and other election publicity items in Urdu even in Muslim dominated areas.
You will find many stalls selling election publicity items near party offices in Patna. The stalls are full to capacity with several kinds of publicity items but if you ask about availability of such items in Urdu, they will excuse you with disappointing face. This shows parties lack sincere interest in Urdu.
Urdu, which is still battling for its implementation on ground level in the state, was declared as second official language in 1981. Since then before every election political parties had been including it in the agenda for political gain but failed to keep the word after coming to power. Consequently, its status is going down from bad to worse. Not to speak about appointment of new Urdu officials, the present Urdu officials were given some other responsibility. So, now it is almost impossible to get your work done in Urdu in any government departments.
Promises about Urdu in manifestos
RJD-LJP: The party has made 8 promises regarding Urdu. They include making Urdu a medium of writing in all examinations conducted by the State Public Service Commission, appointment of Urdu speaking officials at every police station, publishing all official advertisement in Urdu too and putting sign boards of all government departments as well as roads in Urdu along with other languages.
JD-U: The party will appoint Urdu teachers at all primary and middle schools in the state.
Congress: The party accorded second official language to Urdu but did nothing to implement it. Now it promises to take serious notice of development of Urdu and Urdu knowing people in the state.
BJP: For the development of the minority community, government as well as semi-government agencies like Minority Commission, Urdu Academy, Urdu Advisory Council, Bhar Madarsa Board and Wakf Board will be strengthened, the party promises in its manifesto.
NCP: The Sharad Pawar-led party will increase fund for Urdu Academy to make it affective and recruit Urdu translators.
Patna: This is election time in Bihar and it has brought good opportunity for Urdu dailies to make money as political parties find it easy and cheap way to attract Muslim voters through several types of advertisements in Urdu dailies.
It is contrary to general situation with Urdu dailies that complain for not receiving private or government advertisements in good quantity leading them to financial crisis. Even they cite it the main reason for their failure in producing quality of news and paper compared to English and other newspapers.
Advertisment by LJP in Urdu daily Qaumi Tanzeem
As Muslims in Bihar with above 17% population have always been crucial for political parties to come to power in the state, after the date of assembly elections announced the battle for Muslim votes began in which every party put its strength at work to take lead on other.
With the battle in the campaign field intensifying by day, the ad war to appease Muslims is also on. The competition is seen in advertisement published in Urdu dailies with bundles of tall promises for the welfare of Muslims by parties claiming to be friendly to Muslims. If one party buys quarter page in the newspaper for advertisement, another buys half page and even third buys full page. The parties participating in the battle include RJD of Lalu Prasad, LJP of Ram Vilas Paswan, JD-U of Nitish Kumar and Congress.
Advertisment by JD-U in Urdu daily Pindar
Interestingly, no such advertisements are published in English or Hindi newspapers. Question arises here as to why these parties choose Urdu dailies for pro-Muslims advertisement. The simple answer to the question is that in independent India Urdu is considered as language of Muslim community. Therefore, interest of the language has always been attached with the interest of Muslims. Consequently, as Muslims are discriminated in every aspect of life, Urdu is also treated in the same way.
Advertisment by RJD in Qaumi Tanzeem
This is the result of that very thought regarding Urdu that political parties consider Urdu dailies an easy tool to attract Muslims to win their votes. Sometimes they publish their advertisement on the behalf of parties’ minority cells and sometimes on the behalf of Muslim individuals familiar in the community or organizations.
Advertisment by Congress in Qaumi Tanzeem
The ad war in Urdu media shows how much important Muslim votes are for these political parties. But to find the answer to the question as to how much these advertisements impressed Muslim voters, we have to wait till 24th November -- the day result of Bihar assembly election will be out.
Darbhanga: The Rashtriya Janata Dal-Lok Janshakti Party alliance seems to have got an edge over Congress party in the Darbhanga Assembly constituency with more than 25% Muslim population. The factors helping the alliance are its emergence as main rival of the ruling JDU-BJP alliance and the Ayodhya verdict, which has saddened the Muslims.
To know the political scenario and read the Muslim mind TCN visited some Muslim areas in the city including Quilaghat, Rahamganj, Karamganj, Urdu Mohalla, Bhigo, Bakarganj and Laheriasarai, and found Muslims unanimously expressing dejection with behavior of sitting BJP MLA Sanjay Saravagi. They complained that no development work has been done in any Muslim area in last five years. “Not to speak about work, MLA did not even like to visit Muslim areas” expressed Mohammad Mustafa, a resident of Quilaghat.
Fed up with discrimination done by Saravagi during last five years, it seems Muslims of Darbhanga town constituency have made up their mind to vote for RJD candidate Sultan Ahmad Ansari, one time MLA from here, in the assembly election due on October 24.
Darbhanga, one of the seven minority concentration districts in Bihar, was once RJD belt and its MP and most of the MLAs were from the party. But in 2005 assembly election NDA alliance snatched most of the seats and also in 2009 Lok Sabha election then RJD MP Ali Ashraf Fatmi lost to BJP candidate Kirti Azad.
The obvious reason for such result was division of Muslim as well as secular votes between candidates from two secular parties. This time also two Muslim candidates—Sultan Ahmad Ansari of RJD and Dr. Qamrul Hassan of Congress—are in the fray from Darbhanga town constituency which has 26.99% Muslims. So division of secular votes would not be ruled out. But most of the local Muslims TCN talked to were confident for the victory of RJD and they disregarded Congress.
“Currently Congress has no base in Bihar so to vote for it means to waste it” argued Afaq Haider, a native of Urdu Mohalla in Darbhanga, while Mohammad Mustafa linked it with Ayodhya verdict. “Congress is responsible for the all wrong things done with Muslims including Babri verdict which hurt Muslim sentiment, so, 90% Muslim will not vote for Congress this time” he claimed.
Millat College of Darbhanga
“The fight will be between RJD candidate Sultan Ahmad and BJP candidate Sanjay Saravagi. Majority of Muslims is in favor of Sultan Ahmad and if Yadavs and lower castes vote for him, he will win easily” said Rashid Ahmad, owner of a book stall in Karamganj.
The positive point is that unlike past election this time there are only two Muslims out of 11 candidates who are contesting from the seat. This increases the chances of victory for Sultan Ansari if Muslims and Yadavs vote for him collectively.
A glimpse of views of local Muslims on issues, party, candidate
Three major issues of Muslims
Afaq Haider: Education is foremost thing and we need our identity.
Fuzail Ahmad: Education and security are important issues for Muslims. They are being haunted at different part of the country. Internal difference of the community is also serious matter.
Mohammad Shahabuddin: Graveyard of our Mohall (Urdu) is in sorry condition. It does not have walls and also in raining season water gathers there which creates problem to bury the people in that time. Besides, road of our street is in dire situation.
Murtaza Ansari: We are working for last 9 years in Nagar Nigam and get only Rs.100 per day. We are demanding to increase our wages but there is no response.
Mohammad Imtiyaz: Graveyard of our Mohalla (Bhigo) has no walls and strayed dogs are wandering in it freely. No electricity in our Mohalla and lack of water sources is also our basic problem.
Mohammad Mustafa: You will find electricity available here hardly for four hours. In raining season road is blocked as water gathers on it and no solution chalked out for it.
Rashid Ahmad: There are number of problems including employment and security for our youths who are tortured in the name of terror.
Kamal Akhter: The problems of all Indian Muslims are the same. They are treated as second class citizens. At local level electricity,
Which Party is the best?
Afaq Haider: The party which will solve our problem is the best and I will vote for it.
Fuzail Ahmad: I think there is no party which is sincere to solve our problems.
Mohammad Shahabuddin: Not specific but which party work for the common people.
Mohammad Imtiyaz: Congress because it will solve the problem.
Murtaza Ansari: RJD
Mohammad Mustafa: RJD is better among all others. Congress is responsible for the all wrong things done with Muslims including Babri verdict which hurt Muslim sentiment. So we cannot vote for it.
Rashid Ahmad: No party can be said good as all are opportunist.
Kamal Akhter: RJD though JD-U is also good but its attachment with BJP is not acceptable
Performance of sitting MLA
Afaq Haider: The worst condition of road and street and non availability of electricity are enough to tell you the MLA’s performance.
Fuzail Ahmad: Whatever development work he has done during 5 years only in BJP dominated areas and he totally ignored Minority dominated areas.
Mohammad Shahabuddin: He did not do anything in Muslim areas.
Murtaza Ansari: No work has been done in our area.
Mohammad Imtiyaz: He did not do anything.
Mohammad Mustafa: Not to speak about work, MLA did not even like to visit Muslim areas.
Rashid Ahmad: He discriminated Muslim areas in development work.
Kamal Akhter: His performance in Muslim area is zero level.
Who are you going to vote for?
Afaq Haider: We cannot vote for BJP and as far as Congress is concerned it is nowhere in the race for last 15 years. So, only option is to vote for RJD candidate Sultan Ansari. I appeal to all Muslims of the constituency to not let their vote divided. Cast your votes for any secular party but united to prove potency of your votes.
Fuzail Ahmad: Sultan Ansari is the good candidate because when he was MLA he worked for the physical development of the town so, he should be voted for. Muslim leadership should come forward to protect the community votes from division.
Mohammad Shahabuddin: Yet to make mind, will decide later.
Murtaza Ansari: I will vote for Sultan Ahmad Ansari because he has done good work in the past.
Mohammad Imtiyaz: Will vote for Congress candidate Dr. Qamrul Hassan because we want to see Congress rule the state.
Mohammad Mustafa: We will vote for Sultan Ansari and same will do 90% Muslims of the city and sure of his victory as Yadavs and lower castes are also going to vote for him due to Lalu and Paswan.
Rashid Ahmad: In current scenario to vote for RJD will be in the favor of the community so I will do the same.
Kamal Akhter: Will vote for RJD because to vote for any others means to repeat the same mistake we had done in the past.
Sultan Ahmed Ansari talking to TCN on issues and problems in Darbhanga town (the interview was shot on July 1, 2010)
Patna: As Assembly elections are round the corner in Bihar, all political parties are trying to woo Muslims. The opposition RJD-LJP alliance has announced that if it came to power, deputy chief minister will be a Muslim. Though the alliance is yet to officially declare candidate for the post, LJP National Vice President Ahmad Ashfaq Karim has projected Maulana Wali Rahmani.
TwoCircles.net went to common Muslims to know if they are comfortable with the name of Maulana Rahmani for the post of Dy CM. All the people we talked to were agreed on Sajjada Nasheen of Khanqah Munger Maulana Rahmani’s name but they expressed doubt that the announcement of RJD-LJP alliance may be a political gimmick and they would not keep their word after they won the elections.
Maulana Wali Rahmani is suitable man for the post
Is Maulana Wali Rahmani suitable man to be Dy CM of Bihar? “In my view he deserves the post because this is the post which should be held by a person who has corruption-free background and Maulana Rahmani is fulfilling the criteria. So, he must be given the chance” replied Qamr-e-Alam Khan, a shopkeeper near Patna Railway Junction.
“Yes, I fully support the idea that Maulana Rahmani should take over the post of Deputy CM in case RJD-LJP alliance wins” said Mohammad Khalid, a businessman.
“First of all the alliance is not going to get victory and suppose it gets then Maulana Rahmani is among those who should hold the post” told Afroz Alam, another businessman.
Javed Alam, a street vendor, was also of the opinion that if they sincerely chose Maulana Rahmini as candidate it is good.
Projecting Muslim Dy CM is a good move
Among those who hailed the idea of Muslim Dy CM were Qamr-e- Alam Khan and Mohammad Khalid who loudly appreciated the announcement and termed it as a good move.
“I think it is good move if they are sincere in their announcement. There must be a Muslim deputy CM” said Qamr-e-Alam Khan.
“Yes, I am agreed with the proposal of Muslim Deputy CM, I want to see Muslim on the post of Deputy CM” said Mohammad Khalid.
It is a political gimmick
But there were some who rejected the idea saying that it is all about to get Muslims’ support and they are making such promises only for their political gain.
“It is nothing but a political gimmick and we consider it as false promise because Ram Vilas Pawan has made such promise during last Assembly election but nothing happened. These leaders will never give chance to a Muslim to be Dy CM. How can we believe such promises while Ram Vilas Paswan has already projected his brother as Dy CM” said Afroz Alam
“It is a trick of RJD-LJP to win Muslim’s sympathy. This is a falsehood, therefore it is not going to benefit Muslims” said Javed Alam.
(Videos shot by Mudassir Rizwan of TwoCircles.net)
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar pitched for Muslim quota and inclusion of Dalit Muslims in SC category at a conference held by All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz of MP Ali Anwar Ansari on July 1. The conference was called to demand inclusion of Dalit Muslims and Christians into Scheduled Caste category.
“In India caste has deep root, people change their religions but not castes. So, persons belonging to SC category whether they are Muslims or other should be treated in the same manner. Discrimination on the basis of religion is not good for democracy. At the time when I was MP, I had raised the issue to remove the condition of religion from Article 341, but unfortunately it has not been done till date,” said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar while addressing the conference.
Coming down heavily on Congress he said: “Sachar Committee report and Ranganath Mishra Commission report are showing mirror to Congress which has been occupying power at Centre and many of the states after independence that it did nothing for Muslims. It is time for Congress to implement the recommendations of Mishra report. Our MPs will support it in the parliament.” Mishra Commission has recommended 10% quota for Muslims throughout the country.
On development regarding Centre-run MsDP plan in 90 minority concentration districts the Chief Minister said: “Of 90 Muslim dominated districts, seven are in Bihar. Last year we sent proposal for Kishanganj district to give benefits of the scheme to madarsas also which was accepted by centre but when we sent the same proposal for madarsas of remaining six districts, it has been rejected.”
However, he did not respond to the demand from public that state government should adopt the pattern of southern states to give reservation to Muslims.
Ali Anwar Ansari, Mahaz chief and brain behind the conference, appealed to Chief Minister to solve the problems of Dalit Muslims. He also brought in chief minister’s notice the Nalanda power loom which is being put on sell, and requested him to intervene in the matter otherwise thousands of poor people would lose the source of their incomes. He assured Nitish Kumar that Dalit Muslims would give full price for his development work in the coming Assembly elections. But he demanded him to give tickets to Dalit Muslims as per their population so that the issues related to them would be raised loudly.
Speaking on the occasion, Maulana Isa Mansoori, Chairman of World Islamic Forum, London, said: “To work for Pasmanda people is the mission of all Prophets. We should work to the development of them.”
Maulana Mahfoozur Rahman Usmani, a noted cleric from Supaul, stressed on equality among all sections of the community and unity. ”Our representation is becoming lower in legislative houses, so we should work towards it united because we cannot get our rights until we make collective efforts for it.
The program was attended by Pasmanda Muslims in good number from across the state as well as from outside. A delegation from Nepal under the leadership of lone Muslim MP in Nepal Mahmood Alam and delegations from Mumbai, Azamgarh and Delhi also attended the convention.
On the occasion a special issue of Delhi based Uedu magazine Marif-e-Qasim with the title Payam-e-Insaniat (Message for peace) was also released by Mr. Nitish Kumar.
L-R:Maulana Mahfoozur Rahman Usmani,Maulana Isa Mansoori, Nitish Kumar,Ali Anwar Ansari,Maulana Junaid Alam Banarsi and Mahmood Alam (MP in Nepal) [TCN Photos: By Manzar Bilal]
Patna: With Assembly elections round the corner in Bihar, political parties here have started to woo voters in different ways. The issue of AMU campus in Kishanganj is being used by almost all parties to increase their vote accounts. To attract Hindu votes, BJP’s youth wing ABVP – and BJP leaders behind the curtain as well -- are opposing the campus saying it will provide shelter to militants. The opposition parties including RJD and Congress, on the other hand, are trying to get sympathy of Muslims by issuing statements against ABVP and Bihar government.
Interestingly, JD-U is also not left behind. Its leaders strongly condemned ABVP for their opposition to AMU campus in Kishanganj. It means they too do not want to lose Muslim vote which they it got in the last assembly elections, helping the party to power.
Making an attack on Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar, Bihar Congress chief Mr. Anil Sharma said the state government is backing ABVP by not taking legal action against them.
“On one hand Nitish Kumar allotted land for setting up AMU branch in Kishanganj and on the other, he has failed to take action against members of ABVP who are spreading hatred and flaring up religious sentiments” Sharma said adding that if Congress came to power it will request AMU as well as other national universities to open their branches in the state.
RJD spokesperson Mr. Shakeel Ahmad Khan also accused the Nitish government for indulging in double game.
“Bihar government does not tire to take credit for setting up AMU campus in Kishanganj and propagating it at high level to get Muslims’ votes. But its partner’s youth wing is opposing it and terming it as dangerous for the country. Moreover, according to news reports, RSS and BJP workers are capturing parts of the allotted land but government did not take any action in this matter,” Khan said.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made it clear that the decision to establish AMU centre in Kishanganj is not wrong as the centre would empower the people of all sections educationally. But as the opposition continued its attack on the government on the issue, the newly elected chief of JD-U Minority Cell Maulana Abu Talib Rahmani took on rivals and said that JD-U’s stand on the issue is clear from the day one.
“AMU has been a secular institution and a large number of non-Muslim students have been getting education from there. Therefore, those who are opposing it are not on right path. The AMU campus will benefit people of all classes and also it will glorify the name of Bihar all over the world” he said while addressing his first press conference after assuming office.
Many social organizations including Sarjapuri Vikas Morcha and Rashtriya Jan Jagran Morcha also condemned the ABVP for their shameful act.
The president of Sarjapuri Vikas Morcha Mr. Tara Chand said: “The AMU campus will surely increase the educational graph in Bihar as many poor students despite having abilities but due to lack of money are unable to go out of state for higher education. The campus will help them and thus we will have more doctors, engineers and professionals in our state.”
He advised ABVP that if they are sincere then they should protest for schools, colleges and universities that lack teachers, buildings and other facilities or where teachers do not attend classes.
Dr Ejaz Ali who was elected to Rajay Sabha in March 2008 by Janata Dal (United) from Bihar has been dismissed from the party.
Dr. Ejaz Ali who is also the president of All India United Muslim Morcha is going to hold a program on 1st November in Patna where expelled BJP leader Jaswant Singh is invited. In an interview with Manzar Bilal of TwoCircles.net, he talked on the reasons of differences with the party and purpose behind holding the program.
You have been dismissed from JD (U) along with other two leaders what would be the reason?
Officially I am not informed about this decision so far but I came to know about that through media. The reasons behind dismissal of others two members are clear as they have put their son and wife against party members in election but why I was dismissed I am unable to understand. I am going to organize a program on 1st November at Krishna Memorial Hall, Patna where I invited Mr. Jaswant Singh. It might be the reason for my dismissal because Mr. Jaswant Singh is the leader of BJP who was dropped from the party and JDU is its ally.
Party leaders said that you have been involved in anti-party activities which resulted into your dismissal. What do you say?
Though I was elected by JD (U) but as a representative of a community it was my responsibility to raise voice for the rights of my community. I have been doing my job and whenever I felt anything against benefit of my community I opposed it, be it against my party or any one else because for me interest of community is superior to anything.
Do you feel that policies of JD (U) are against your views?
What are policies of party I do not know but as far as I am concerned I am not boot-licker of anyone but I am deeply concerned about problems of my community. When BJP said that they would construct Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, I opposed it and my party also said that they are not with BJP in this matter. When BJP presented Advani as PM, I stood against it but my party supported it. When Nitish Kumar hugged Narendra Modi, I strongly condemned it. Hemant Karkare investigated on the right direction in Malegon blast case and unveiled the face of saffron terrorism for the first time in India but he was killed. It left suspicion in minds of millions of people. A.R Antulay raised the question in Lok Sabha on the matter and demanded that death of Karkare should be investigated either by the CBI or a serving Judge of Supreme Court. I did the same in Rajay Sabha which angered my party because Karkare was an eye-sore of BJP and RSS. If I had not raised these issues then it is useless to be a member of Parliament.
What is the purpose behind organizing the program on 1st Nov.?
The real propose of program is to inform the people that who are the responsible for partition of India. Since last 62 years Muslims alone have been blamed for partition and because of that they were neglected in every spare of the life. Benefit under Article 341 was snatched from them. Jaswant Singh presented the real history of the partition and cleared that it was power struggle which partitioned the country and there was nothing like Hindu and Muslim factor behind it. So, by this program I want to spread the real history of partition to the people by such a person who is not from my community or group.
But some people say that Jaswant Singh gave clean-chit to Jinnah and Indian Muslim has nothing to do with Jinnah. What do you say?
It is incorrect and a propaganda of BJP that Jaswant Singh gave clean-chit to Jinnah. On the contrary he said that if Jinnah was responsible for the partition, he was not alone but Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel and policies of Congress were also equally responsible for that. He also accepted that Muslims have been discriminated in their own country without any sin.
It is reality that partition was the product of politicians which pushed the country to backwardness because it was unnatural but common people are unaware about this fact. We are going to make an organization in which people from all communities will be given representation from where we will work for the communal harmony by visiting all parts of the country. The program of 1st Nov. is first part of that movement.
People say that you are going to hold program only to strengthen your political image among people so, that you can get benefit in the election? How much is it true?
My 25-year service in medical field and work for downtrodden and the depressed sections are enough to get people’s support and I have used it in the elections for my community’ benefit. It is a fact that I got elected MP by JD (U) because of my familiarity among people. So, I do not need to organize such program for my publicity.
You are claiming that you have raised voice for the right of Dalit Muslims but after reaching Parliament you have forgot the issue. What is your answer?
I am the first man who stood for Dalit Muslim issue. I was badly injured during a demonstration before Bihar assembly house with the demand to pass resolution for inclusion of Dalit Muslims under Article 341 and Bihar assembly passed the resolution.
I also held an agitation before Parliament house in Delhi for the same purpose and beaten up by police. I am happy that this issue has reached to Parliament. Now when I stand in Rajya Sabha, people consider that there might be any Dalit Muslim related issue. Those who are blaming me have nothing to do with Muslim issues and they are doing that only to appease their political bosses.
What is your plan in next Bihar assembly election, will you take part in that?
No, I will not take part and also will not make any party but I will campaign among the people to change the government at every 5 years. So that politicians would work more for the development of the state because even after 62 years of independence, Bihar is lagging behind only because of dynasty system of government.
Any thing else to say?
I can not compromise with benefit of my community and country at any cost and I appeal other member of Parliament to do the same. I also request people to support the truth and beware of tricks of politicians because they always try to create infighting among people.
(About the interviewee: Dr. Ejaz Ali is M.B.B.S., M.S. (General Surgery) practicing in Patna and son-in law of late Bihar assembly speaker Ghulam Sarwar. He is national president, All-India United Muslim Morcha, chief editor and Publisher, Sangam, an Urdu daily, published from Patna.)
Patna: “If Bihar government is really serious to solve the problems of Muslims as it propagates, it must give 10% reservation to Muslims in jobs and educational institutions on the pattern of minority quota system in states like Kerala, Karnatka,Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pardesh” said Lok Janshakti Party chief Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan.
He was speaking at a conference held by LJP state minority cell at Shri Krishn Memorial Hall in Patna, Bihar.
“Muslims and Dalits are sailing in the same boat. As Dalits are facing problems in every field of life, Muslims also have been deprived of their actual rights. There is no confusion about sorry condition of Muslims after Sachar Committee Report revealed all the ground reality” he added.
Thousands of LJP workers from across the state attended the program. Shri Krishn Memorial Hall was full of LJP workers and common citizens. Both national and state level LJP leaders were present there.
“We are demanding the central government to table the Ranganath Mishra Commission Report in Parliament as soon as possible. LJP is making efforts in this regard at its level best” said Mr. Paswan.
“According to article 341 Dalit Muslims and Dalit Christians also deserve reservation and it is necessary to solve their social, educational and financial backwardness for the cause of a developed country” he added.
Criticizing Bihar government he said that it is a matter of concern that the government returned centeral funds for the welfare of minority communities, which has shown its seriousness about Minority especially Muslims’ problems.
He alleged that though Nitish Kumar claims to be a secular leader but reality is that his government is working on the instruction of Sangh Parivar. “No sooner the Lok sabha elections processes came to an end in the state than Nitish Kumar hugged Gujarat chief minister Mr. Narendra Modi in Haryana. Where was his secularism when he was hugging a communalist?” asked Mr. Paswan.
Addressing the gathering senior LJP leader Mr.Ahmed Ashfaq Kareem said that according to Sacher Committee Report Muslims’ condition is worse than Dalits. Therefore, Muslims should be given share in 125 LS seats which are reserved for Dalits. He also demanded that government budgets should be published in Urdu also as in Hindi and English.
President of state LJP Minority cell, Dr. Shahnavaz Kaifi demanded the government to make Liberhan Commission Report public and to implement Sacher as well as Ranganath Mishra Commission Report without further delay. He also emphasized on a separate quota to Muslim women in Women Reservation Bill.
Others who addressed the program included national president of LJP Minority cell, Afzal Abbas, Member of Parliament, Mr. Sabir Ali, national LJP general secretary, Abdul Khaliq, Ram Chander Paswan and Suraj Bhan Singh.
Patna: As parliamentary election is coming closer all the community are putting their demands before the political parties Muslim organizations in Bihar also released a combined statement and demanded the political parties to give Muslims proper representation in the elections and make all efforts for their success.
The statement was released by Imarat-e-Sharia, Idar-e-Sharia, Jamiat-e-Ulema-eHind,Imarat Ahl-e-Hadith and all India United Muslim Morcha in which their leaders expressed their sorrow on current backwardness of Muslim community in all sectors and blamed political parties for that.
Talking to TwoCircles.net Hasan Ahmad Qadri, the nazim of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Bihar said: “We have put our demands before the political parties and waiting for their reactions. If they will not fulfill our demands we will take decisions which we think is best for the community.”
He said that our organization is not political party so Muslim leaders themselves should also make pressure on their parties to give them their due share.
“We see that political parties are not acting upon our demands as in their lists Muslims are in fewer numbers so soon we will decide what to do next” said Syed Sanaullah of Idara-e-Sharia Bihar.
On the other hand in Jharkhand also Muslim organizations uniting under the flags of Imarate-Sharia and Idara-e-Sharia, warned the UPA, particularly the Congress that unless Muslims get proper representation in the coming parliamentary elections, the community will field its own candidates in at least six out of the 14 seats.
“The community has been used as a vote bank by the political parties. Most Muslims live in miserable conditions not only in this state but all over the country as well” said Idara-e-Sharia chief, Qutubuddin Rizwi. "In Jharkhand, Muslims constitute about 21 per cent of the population. Therefore, they deserve to contest in at least four seats,” he added.
But he made it clear that since Imarat-e-Sharia and Idara-e-Sharia are religious bodies, they are not interested in taking part in the polls.
"We want the UPA to pick good Muslim candidates and give them tickets in at least four - five constituencies like Godda, Dhanbad, Koderma, Chatra and Hazaribagh," Rizwi said.
The statement said in case their demands are not met by the political parties, they would field independent candidates from Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Koderma, Chatra, Dhanbad and Rajmahal with the support of other minority and deprived sections of the society.
Patna: With a day left for first phase of Lok sabha election, former Chief Minister of Bihar Dr. Jagannath Mishra has strongly opposed to vote for NDA and appealed to Muslims to vote for those who are in position to defeat BJP and its allies. Ruling JD-U in Bihar is part of NDA.
“The demolishers of Babri Masjid should not be given the governance of the country. Today, the country is being challenged seriously by communalism and terrorism. Therefore, communalist extremists must be kept away from the governance" said Mr. Mishra to media persons.
“The incidents of terror have been taking place for last few years which terrified the common people. Today a big question before the people is that which party should form the government at centre. Majority of the people wants a secular government at centre which will curb the communalism and terrorism” said former senior Congress leader Dr. Mishra adding “Definitely during the NDA government terrorism was increased. So, it is not worthy to take charge as central government.”
After quitting Congress Dr Mishra formed his own party. Later he joined JD-U. But two weeks ago he quit JD-U too.
“The root of the terrorism in India is demolition of Babri Masjid which created insecurity among the minority community. The party which demolished Babri Masjid is now claiming to hold the post of central government it is tragedy”
Mentioning the controversial issues in BJP manifesto, he said “BJP once again raised in its manifesto the issues which have been forgotten by people such as Ram Mandir, Article 370 and Uniform Civil Code. How government could be handed over to those persons who are facing trial in courts.”
He said that after Gujarat riot, then prime minister of India Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had said that Gujrat riot is a blot on the face of nation and he wanted to remove the Narindra Modi but it was LK Advani who did not let him to do so.
“These kinds of leaders will promote the communalism and violence. Therefore, I appeal to all the secular people specially Muslims not to vote for any party which will help the formation of BJP government at centre. Vote for any candidate who may defeat the candidate of NDA alliance” he said.
Criticizing Bihar chef minister Mr. Nitish Kumar he said “Chief Minister claims that he will not accept the BJP’s agendas but it is known for all people that if BJP forms government at centre with the help of JD-U, then Mr. Nitish Kumar would not be able to stop BJP from acting upon its agendas and he will not bring down the BJP government” he said.
He alleged that the state government of Bihar did not much on PM-15 point program, Indira Awas Yojna, employment guarantee scheme, Madrasa modernisation programme and the appointment of Urdu translators.
Patna: Ameer-e-Shariat Maulana Syed Nizamuddin has demanded political parties to include resolution to implement recommendations of Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission in their election manifestos.
Addressing mediapersons in Patna yesterday, Maulana Nizamuddin, who heads Imarat Shariah (Bihar, Jharkhand and Orisssa) said that reports of Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission have established the fact that minority communities are backward because they have been consistently denied their constitutional rights, and political parties did not keep their promises made during elections for the betterment of minorities. “Political parties should implement their promises, only then minority communities can trust them” said the Maulana who is also general secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board.
He also demanded political parties to give Lok Sabha tickets to Muslims proportionately, and called upon party workers to work sincerely for the success of Muslims candidates.
Asked which party Muslims should vote for in the upcoming parliamentary election, he said that Muslims should support secular parties. But he reserved his opinion on which party is secular.
Maulana Nizamuddin strongly supported Muslim reservation, saying “Muslims representation in government sectors is going low day by day and the only way to increase their percentage is reservation.” Unless Muslims are given 10% reservation in all government sectors their actual representations and partnership in nation building is impossible.
When TwoCircles.net asked how he was going to put pressure on the political parties to include Muslim reservation issue in their election manifesto, Maulana Nizamuddin said “Though it is very difficult and complicated matter but we are trying to make a national level platform with the association of all Muslim organizations. Through that platform we will put pressure on political parties to include Muslims reservation in their manifesto.” He rejected the idea that demand of reservation will promote separation. “Because of backwardness Muslims are already alienated and reservation will help them to strengthen development of the country.
Expressing his grief on presence of several Muslim candidates in one constituency he suggested Muslims to agree upon one candidate so that they could minimize division of their votes and strengthen the possibility of their victory. Asked if Imarat Shariah will issue any appeal before the Voting Day, the Maulana did not rule out the possibility.
By Manzar Bilal and Mudassir Rizwan, TwoCircles.net,
We do not hope anything from political parties for it is useless. Yes, we will vote for a party which assures to provide adequate security to the Muslim community from organized violence. Given the scenario of the country it will be better for us to vote for UPA at least to keep L K Advani away from being prime minister of India” says Muhammad Saleem, a fruit seller in Patna.
His views are shared by most of those Patnaites TwoCircles.net talked to. Security and keeping communal forces out of power are major concerns for people in this backward state where civic amenities are rare. Given the history of the Congress, a section is considering alternative. However, many are fed up with political parties, and hence have lost interest in elections.
Muhammad Saleem, a fruit seller in Patna When TCN team in Patna met Muslims from different classes to know their opinions they found them angry with political parties because all of them have always exploited and cheated the community. They also criticized Muslim leaders who just serve their own purposes and do not dare to raise voice in Parliament and assemblies against cruelty on Muslims.
“We are not happy with any political party because all have been befooling us since Independence. No one is going to solve our problems until we ourselves stand to do so. Once our ratio in government sector was 14 percent and now it is less than 2 percent” said Qamar Rizwi, a businessman in Patna city. He further said: “I am not able to decide as to which party I should vote as all parties are sailing in the same boat”.
Qamar Rizwi, a businessman in Patna 50-year-old Hafiz Mazaherul Haq is so much upset with political parties that he is not interested to vote. He does not remember when he voted last. “I do not vote for any party because they are not serious about our problems and I do not see any alternative for which I should vote” he added.
Though Muslims are disappointed with all the parties including Congress but because they do not see any suitable alternative so some of them have soft corner for UPA alliance compared to NDA. They are going to vote only on the basis of security matter and to keep BJP out of power.
“This is a parliamentary election so we should vote for the party keeping an eye on national and international issues” said Mr. Fazluddin, owner of a cloth shop, adding that the present government led by UPA alliance has done better works at national and international level than NDA alliance. “Though the Sachar Committee report remains to be implemented but this government implemented many schemes for the minority communities compared to the previous one” he said.
Mr. Fazluddin, owner of a cloth shop in Patna Muhammad Mahmood, a poor worker from Sitamarhi district working in Patna, expressed his anguish saying that besides giving every kind of sacrifice Muslims are discriminated in every aspect of life in the country. Asked which party he is going to vote for he said: “I will vote for the party which will provide security to Muslims and manage peaceful environment in the country because whenever violence erupts we become jobless” said Md. Mahmood.
Muhammad Saleem, a fruit seller in Sabzi Bagh, Patna, felt sorry to say that even Muslim leaders are not sincere to solve the problems faced by Muslims, let alone the politicians from other community. “We do not hope anything from political parties for it is useless. Yes, we will vote for a party which will give assurances that they will provide adequate security to the Muslim community from organized violence” he said adding, “Seeing the scenario of the country it will be better for us to vote for UPA alliance at least to keep L K Advani away from being prime minister of India” said Saleem.
“We want to live peacefully along with other communities in the country, and during this government led by UPA we did not see any pre-planned riot such as Gujarat riot so we will give vote in favour of UPA alliance” said 60-year-old vendor Muhammad Moheet. “Government should initiate to tackle poverty that we are facing today” he added.
Muhammad Moheet, vendor in Patna As Muslims have bitter experience with Congress and BJP some of them want to do new experience and give chance to any new alliance.
Muhammad Asrar, a social activist, blamed all political parties that came to power after Independence for pushing Muslim community towards educational, social and financial backwardness by their double-standard policies. “Both Congress and BJP have always pained us. If Congress is a secular party so why it did not implement the Sachar Committee report and Sri Krishna Commission report and why Babri Masjid case is still stuck in court” he said. He also said that many welfare schemes were announced by government but how many Muslims have benefited is not known. “We will vote for non-UPA and non-BJP alliance so we can test them also” said Asrar.
“We want to change the government so that no party can take us as for granted and then neglect our problems and exploit us as happened in the past” said Dr. Ataur Rahman. He also advised Muslim leaders to learn lessons from the leaders of other communities who do not hesitate to go any extent for the benefit of their communities.
