By Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net,
Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan does not consider himself as a religious cleric. Candidly admitting that he is a political and social person, Khan does not mince words in blaming Congress for the plight of Muslims. Hailing from illustrious family of Bareilly Khanqah, Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan made public his intention of participating in 2012 UP assembly elections through his outfit Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC). During his recent visit to Lucknow, Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan shared his views with Faisal Fareed of TwoCircles.net.
Activists of Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC)’s Delhi unit during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on 15th May 2010.
Being a cleric you take part in politics unlike others. You campaign in elections and even issue appeals.
Let me clarify, I am not a religious cleric though I belong to one such family. My political association is for the betterment of my community. I have no aspiration to be MLA or MP. It is true that I supported Congress in 2009 Lok Sabha elections.
Do you still sympathise with Congress?
No, as supporting Congress was the only option available in national politics. We cannot go for BJP to make LK Advani as Prime Minister. We therefore supported the Congress.
Will the support still continue in 2012 assembly elections of Uttar Pradesh?
No, earlier we had decided to have an alliance between Congress and our IMC. Digvijay Singh had assured us 20 seats and even Sonia Gandhi had okayed this. Later they wanted that we should contest on their tickets which meant losing our identity. After denial, a formula came where they said to give 10 seats for IMC and remaining 10 to be contested on Congress ticket. However, now every thing has closed. We are holding no more talks. We will contest alone as per our strength and resources independently.
It means your bonhomie with Congress is over.
I was never cozy with Congress, it was only an arrangement. How can we forget the recent Gopalgarh riots in Rajasthan under Congress regime? The party is equally responsible for Muslim’s plight. Several of our children are languishing in jail and are being branded as terrorist. We demand that there should be a probe and the case be handed over to Fast Track Court for speedy disposal. The innocent youths should be compensated.
What is the status of Muslim politics in the country?
Most of the Muslim leaders have personal ambitions to become MLA/MPs etc. They should keep community interest first. The best way is to form a platform and a political party of Muslims. I salute Dr AJ Faridi for his efforts to form Muslim Majlis in 1974.
These days Peace Party is making news in UP.
It cannot be regarded as a Muslim outfit. It is not bad to admit non Muslims but the interests of Muslims should be the top priority. When Dr Ayub took the plunge he did not consult any community elders. Now I am trying to establish my IMC as a platform for Muslims.
Are you associated with All India Ulema & Mashaikh Board (AIUMB)?
Yes, I was but not now. The AIUMB should keep itself as a social organisation. It is leading to further division among Muslims. We should remember that for the outside world we are only Muslims and it does not differentiate when tortures are unleashed. We can settle the internal difference at a later stage and let us first pose as a Muslim only.
Do you perceive communalism as the biggest threat?
Yes, communalism has now infiltrated into police force and administration. It is bad for the country and can lead to the division of the nation. We love our country and cannot allow it to disintegrate.
You were named in March 2010 riots in Bareilly after which you were arrested. What do you have to say on this?
I was arrested but later released by the government after they could not find my involvement in the riots. I am not a terrorist. I still believe that the real mastermind behind the riots has not been touched. The officers who flared up the riots have not been punished. Muslims were at the receiving end and I was made the scapegoat. If serious action is not taken riots can trigger again.