By Mohd. Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net,
Lucknow: With an eye on state’s assembly elections, various Muslim outfits are undertaking ‘surveys’ in the constituencies for fielding their candidates. The recently launched Welfare Party of India (WPI) – the political baby of Jamaat-e-Islami has taken the lead in conducting surveys for getting the pulse of the voters.
Muslims are in considerable numbers in 21 districts of the state having clout in over 130 assembly segments. For putting up a formidable front, the outfits are planning for a common minimum ‘wish list’ with reservation to Muslims topping the chart. Most of the Muslim organisations claimed that implementation of Ranganathan Mishra report is their main demand which will cover the reservation issue. Meanwhile, the appeal by acting rector of Darul Uloom Deoband has further strengthened their demand for reservation.
Assam based Muslim outfit led by MP Badruddin Ajmal too is keen on making forays in UP’s politics. He has even rechristened his Assam United Democratic Front as All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) for a pan-India presence. Ajmal is buoyant with the big success in the recent assembly poll in Assam where his party doubled its tally. Ajmal whose AIUDF bagged 18 seats also has intentions for contesting the UP polls. The AIUDF is eyeing the Muslim dominated areas for fielding candidates and has started the ground work. Talks with several other groups are also going on for the outfit.
Candidly admitting about the ‘survey’, Spokesperson, WPI, SQR Ilyas stated that the exercise is being conducted for getting a feel of Muslim voters. “We need to analyse where our strength lies for fielding candidates. We will decide our future strategy after the survey results,” said Ilyas. Presently, the survey is being undertaken by Jamaat-e-Islami, the parent body of WPI through its workers. The Students Islamic Organisation (SIO), the student wing of the organisation too has been pressed into service. The WPI will hold a meeting of its workers in Lucknow on June 19 to decide the future course of strategy. “It will be our first meeting in Lucknow and we will try to get the mood of our workers,” said Ilyas. He, however, denied about parleys for pact with other outfits.
Meanwhile, Azamgarh based Rashtriya Ulema Council (RUC) chief Maulana Amir Rashadi stated that his outfit too is geared up for the assembly elections. “We are not concerned about the results, we are working on a long term strategy and will stick to it,” he said. Another one is Peace Party that is based in Gorakhpur. The party too has made considerable inroads among the weaver community. Its chief Dr Mohd Ayub foresees a share in power after the elections.