By Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net,
Lucknow: Extending an olive branch towards Muslims, the Rashtriya Swayammsevak Sangh (RSS) senior functionary Indresh Kumar on Wednesday urged the community for loyalty towards their motherland.
Indresh addressed a gathering of Muslim clerics at a function organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad at Chota Imambara on Wednesday. “Prophet Mohammad has also mentioned loyalty towards one’s motherland as one of the distinct feature of Muslim. I am hopeful that all Muslims will follow the path shown by their Prophet,” said Indresh Kumar addressing the gathering through mobile phone.
It’s ironic that Indresh has sought loyalty from Muslims while his name itself has figured in some saffron terror activities, and many activists of Sangh Parivar are cooling their heel in prison for executing terror blasts and killing innocents in the very motherland.
The function organised by Rashtriya Muslim Manch (RMM) had invited Indresh Kumar as chief guest at Chota Imambara. However, Indresh failed to make it to the event. Later he addressed the gathering through mobile phone. “Indreshji could not attend the programme as he missed the flight. He was quite excited about coming here,” said Maulana Turaj Zaidi, the organiser of the event.
Indresh also hailed the unique composite culture of India where people of all religions live peacefully. “We are blessed to have India as our motherland. Prophet Mohammad has preached for love towards motherland. We should all live peacefully,” he said.
Indresh also urged the Muslim community to concentrate on education among their children. “Education is important for development and muslims should also strive for education among their community. The younger generation should be given a chance to study,” he said.
Due to the announcement by organisers about the presence of Indresh Kumar many prominent clerics skipped the function. Vice-President of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) Dr Kalbe Sadiq was also expected to attend the meet with his name being prominently displayed in the hoardings but he failed to turn up. “Several clerics who had assured their presence could not attend. It may be due to their prior engagement. They are however with us and there is no difference,” said Maulana Turaj Zaidi.
The organiser Maulana Turaj Zaidi is known for his close proximity with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His outfit Rashtriya Shia Swayamsewak Sangh (RSSS) had hosted a meet in the past giving a clarion call for supporting BJP candidate Ashutosh Tandon Gopalji from Lucknow (North).
Spokesperson, All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB), Maulana Yasoob Abbas too was present during that meeting. “Many clerics have given me assurance to support BJP in coming assembly elections. We will organise many more such meetings in coming days,” he said.