By TwoCircles.net News Desk,
Patna: Expelled BJP leader Jaswant Singh while speaking in a function to unveil Urdu translation of his book ‘Jinnah-India, Partition, Independence’ questioned the partition, calling partition as division of heart rather than land. We are looking for new freedom for all as freedom of 1947 has divided heart. He called people to join this new movement.
He also lambasted current political scenario in which Muslims have been reduced to second class citizens. Jaswant Singh said politics needs to be changed. He promised to work towards achieving this goal with the help of people.
Earlier Urdu translation of Jaswant Singh book “Jinna- ittehad se taqseem tak” was released by noted journalist Prabhash Joshi. Function was organized by Dr. Ejaz Ali, Rajya Sabha MP and National president of All India United Muslim Morcha. The programme organized at Sri Krishna Memorial Hall of Patna was packed to the capacity with many watching the proceedings on screens setup outside the hall.
Prabhash Joshi, senior journalist suggested that this book is an eye opener for many and now Muslim should demand new deal. They should also use able leadership of Jaswant Singh to get new deal.
Dr. Ejaz Ali recalled freedom movement had started under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi from Bihar. He asserted second freedom struggle against poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and politics of division has started again from Bihar under the leadership of Jaswant Singh.
Noted journalist M J Akbar hailed this booking saying “This book has smashed the myth that Muslims are responsible for the partition.” He mentioned, Jinnah has been incorrectly projected as symbol of guilt for Muslims.
“We got freedom at midnight but Muslims are still in darkness and yet to see the sunrise,” he added. He pointed out Muslims have joined politics but they are yet to share power. Muslim voting percentage has seen a rise but surprisingly, number of their MPs have decline steadily. Parties know that Muslims votes out of fear and not for their welfare so they give them fear.
Digvijay Singh, MP and former Union Minister, lauded Jaswant Singh effort as very honest effort to clear doubts about partition. He appreciated Jaswant Singh, as one of very few who choose to write against the popular perception. He also pointed out that there is shortage of honest people but sycophants in abundance.
Teesta Setalvad, leading human right activist pointed out the partition has been reason for many riots in India after independence. She also criticized government for beating war drum beat. She said” Government instead of talking about peace and development is busy in warmongering with Pakistan, China and Naxals. This is an effort to divert attention of the people from real issues”
Arif Mohammad Khan, former union minister termed partition as human tragedy. He added that this partition not only resulted in division of land but it divided millions of hearts. He pointed out that Indian Muslims have been biggest sufferer of this partition. They are suffering in all three countries India, Pakistan and Bangladesh due to partition.
He also reminded people about importance of history by reciting Urdu couplet:
Jo qaum bhula deti apne twariq ko,
Us qaum ka geogrphia bhi baqi nahin rahta.
Veteran Gandhian Dr. Razi Ahmad and Lohiaite Ram Jeevan Singh also spoke on the occasion.