By Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net,
Within nine months of its existence, Pasmanda Muslim Samaj (PMS) — an organization of backward Muslims — is making waves in Uttar Pradesh. Claiming to be a social organization, PMS was in news after the successful rally demanding political share for backward Muslims at Luckow on October 13. In its journey, however, allegations have also been flung at its National President, Anees Mansoori. Here he clarifies some of them in a chat with Faisal Fareed of TwoCircles.net.
Brief us about your organization and its aims.
We have formed Pasmanda Muslim Samaj (PMS) on January 27, 2011 at Lucknow. Earlier I was heading the All India Mansoori Samaj. It is a social organization for the upliftment of 36 backward castes among Muslims.
Anees Mansoori
But your ambition is political. You are demanding political tickets and representation.
There is no harm in this. If we are politically strong we can develop our community. It is not wrong if the backward Muslims demand their share. They have been oppressed since ages.
Such issues have been raised by leaders in the past. What is new in this demand?
The leaders who raised the demand as Dr Ejaz Ali and Ali Anwar in Bihar progressed but the pasmanda Muslim community remained backward. They have been ignored by the community for their self-centred approach.
You are also demanding tickets and power.
Let me make things clear. I am not on any government post. I am not going to contest any election. I am not demanding anything for myself. My only demand is to give tickets to our backward Muslims. We will support anyone except BJP.
There are already quite a few Muslim leaders in all parties who are doing well.
They all are from forward castes. No one represents the backwards and the interests of backward Muslims. It is a family business for them. We are against all such pseudo Muslim leaders.
You are against Naseemuddin Siddiqui, Azam Khan, Salman Khurshid.
Yes, all of them. They are benefiting their family not the Muslim community. They just want to corner everything in politics.
You are also against Ulema and All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).
These Ulema are also non committal on backward Muslim issues. No one takes a stand on the plight of backward Muslims status. I had words with AIMPLB people but they stated that it is not in their purview. So I am waging my battle.
In past you were associated with BSP.
Yes, I was a zonal co-ordinator of BSP. But Naseemuddin Siddiqui did not entertain my demands for the upliftment of backward Muslims. In 2009 Lok Sabha elections BSP gave tickets to three backward Muslims and two of them won, it also gave tickets to 14 forward Muslims and only two won. I raised the issue but they did not listen to me so I left the party though they were ready to accommodate me.
It is said that you are prompted by BJP to divide Muslims on lines of forward-backward.
I am not against forward Muslims. Even I had placed the demand for 2 percent reservation for poor forward Muslims. Our backward Muslims can earn their living by doing their traditional trade but these forward Muslims are in dire state. They cannot do lowly jobs and are living in penury. I am with them but backward Muslims should get their due.
What about allegation that you are ready to support even BJP?
It is not true. I am ready to support any political party except the BJP which accepts our demands and gives tickets to backward Muslims. Even I am ready to join that party.
Your rally was grand affair and extravagant.
The total funding is through donations and we have proper receipts. I also contribute. I have my own business and other well wishers also donate. Every thing is in records.
What are the future plans?
I am approaching political parties with our demands — tickets to backward Muslims, reservation to Muslims, lifting of restriction on article 341 so that Muslims can be included in SC status. We have got encouraging response and you will see that pasmanda Muslims will be in commanding position after UP elections.