By Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net,
Lucknow: Former Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Ilyas Azmi has opened the doors of
his newly floated outfit Rashtriya Inquilab Party (RIP) for political adjustments with Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP). The outfit also announced that a ‘sammelan’ on Muslim’s political issues will be held at Lucknow on November 19, which will also be addressed by JK Jain, incharge, media cell, BJP.
“We do not believe that BJP is untouchable in political system. Muslims can support BJP if their certain issues are addressed by the party,” said national general secretary, RIP, Syed Aslam Zaidi on Saturday. Zaidi reiterated several times during his interaction with newsmen that his outfits RIP is ready to support BJP.
Ilyas Azmi, then vice-president of Welfare party, speaking at the launching function of the WPI in New Delhi
When asked about Muslim’s aversion to BJP due to Babri Masjid issue and Gujarat 2002 riots, Zaidi remarked, “If we are discarding someone for a riot, we should remember the numerous riots which had taken place in country’s history. Most of them had occurred during Congress regime. Even Gujarat had witnessed large scale riots during 1992 and then Narendra Modi was not at the helm of affairs, so singling out BJP for riots is not justified.”
Zaidi stated that former MP Ilyas Azmi, who is the chief of the newly floated outfit RIP will tour the state in Muslim dominated areas and sensitize them about the political developments.
The outfit also placed three point demands of lifting restriction under article 341 for inclusion of Muslims in SC list, separate reservation for the community within the OBC quota and better political representation.
Azmi who was earlier with BSP, had joined the Welfare Party of India (WPI). “We will present clear picture before the Muslims, it if for them to judge, we have tried every party and there is no harm in giving BJP a chance,” said Zaidi.