By Abdul Hameed, TwoCircles.net
Mumbai: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh accepted yesterday in a press conference held in Mumbai that Muslims are under-represented in the present Lok Sabha elections.
Replying to a question by Urdu media why Muslims were not given representation according to their population as recommended by the Sachar Committee report Mr. Singh acknowledged the fact and assured,’ In the next elections Muslims and the women will be given adequate representation.’
In Maharashtra Muslims constitute nearly 14% of the population and thus deserve at least six out of the total 48 LS seats. The Congress-NCP alliance in Maharashtra has fielded only two Muslims. The Union Minister Mr. A R Antulay is the Congress nominee from Raigad constituency and Mr. Azam Bansare is NCP nominee form Hingoli constituency.
The Muslim leaders had demanded from the alliance for six seats and posed a subsequent threat to wage an anti Congress-NCP campaign after the tie-up nominated only Mr Antulay in its first lists of candidates. However, they reportedly withdrew their demand after the assurance that the community will get its due in the assembly elections.
When Dr. Singh was asked about the implementation of the Sri Krishna Commission Report the Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan interrupted and told that the state government has accepted the recommendations of the Commission and action has been taken in this regard. He added the case is presently in the court and the proceedings in this concern will be made public.
The Prime Minister also reiterated his statement that minorities especially poor Muslims should be preferred when it comes to national resources.
Terming the politics in the name of religion as dangerous Dr. Singh told that UPA wanted to pass law in order to restrict it but failed due to some reasons. However, he said in next UPA rule positive action will be taken in this regard.
He promised to make Mumbai a world-city by providing better infrastructure, transport facilities and doing more for those living in slums.
‘Unlike Advani, I will not weep in a corner while hoodlums tear down a centuries old mosque,’ said Manmohan Singh indirectly referring to the demolition of Babri Masjid in the presence of L K Advani on December 6, 1992 in Ayodhya.