By TCN Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: With an eye on political power the All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB) on Saturday demanded tickets and nominations to Rajya Sabha from political parties. The board’s political stand is a crucial step with the Shia community members alleging political disparity.
The board in its political session held at Lucknow resolved to support only those parties who are sensitive towards the demands and adjustments of Shia community. “Our numbers may not be so high to win the elections but they are enough to defeat any candidate. We will not beg from political parties but now snatch our rights,” stated general secretary, AISPLB, Maulana Yasoob Abbas.
Abbas stated that most of the political parties have overlooked the demands of the Shia community. “Our goal is now clear, give us power and political representation,” he said. Regarding the board members going to parliament, he stated that any such proposal from political parties will be seriously considered. He, however, denied that President, AISPLB, Maulana Mirza Mohd Athar is eyeing Rajya Sabha membership. “He is not interested and would have been member long back. For other members we are open to negotiate,” he said.
On the numerical strength of the Shia community, he stated that a message will be conveyed to all the members across the country for taking stand during elections. “We are not concentrated in one state like Sikhs in Punjab but scattered across the country. We can thus defeat any candidate if we cannot win ourselves,” he said.
The AISPLB will take up its religious session and is expected to come out with resolution on social and other issues during its Jalsa-e-Aam at Madarsa Sultanul Madaris in Lucknow on Sunday.