By Abdul Hannan Siwani Nadvi,
Since the appeal in favour of Congress party and Trinamool Congress is made by Delhi Jama Masjid Imam Mr. Ahmed Bukhari, he is under attack from various quarters inside and outside Muslim Community. The criticism of him within Muslim community is un-warranted. Even some of them call him not to interfere in political issues.
I am of the view that the appeal made by Mr. Ahmed Bukhari is right and accurate. There is nothing wrong in this appeal.
Though, there are un-limited lists of betraying of Congress party and there is little hope in future too, in present scenario, the point is what Muslims do? What the alternatives they have? To whom they cast their votes. In each state, Muslims back-stabbed not by BJP but by those secularist forces who were supported by Muslims.
Either Muslims cast their votes in favour of congress party or not, their situation is not going to change overnight, nor a party under Muslim leadership, that pose a challenge to others would appear within few days.
The decision of Congress party under the leadership of Late Rajiv Gandhi in favour of Muslims in Shah Bano case was a right decision. Those within Muslim community oppose it, in fact, they are still divided and dividing the community by their irrational thoughts. Such groups never presented any alternative on various issues except criticism and demonizing other sects of Muslim Community as of now.
If we accept that Mr. Ahmed Bukhari was on the wrong side, then who is on the right side. The point is what the alternative is. There are only two parties on national level one is congress party and the other one is BJP. Muslims will not give the votes to BJP, they will never come out with full support to congress too, in all ways, Muslims have no exact choice.
Politics means give and take. If Mr. Bukhari asks something so nothing wrong in it. Since the Media has boycotted Muslims for long times, the system is changing slowly towards Muslims. No doubt Babri Masjid was demolished in Congress government. It could be saved and protected but what one can do when the whole system turns apathy. If Babri Masjid was demolished under the Congress rule in 1992, then who protected it or put the accused behind bars? Police, administration, governments, media, writers, columnists, everyone directly or indirectly remained with the side that demolished the Babri Masjid.
The latest Cobrapost Sting Operation too is ignored by the same system, media and others who participated or paved the way for bringing the Babri Masjid down.
In an atmosphere when Muslims have few options Mr. Ahmed Bukhari’s appeal in favour of congress party is not wrong. And it gives a right track to Muslims and others to have their votes united and do not let the parties to reach the power who are more deadly for them.
In the meantime, we must not forget that only Congress party cannot be blamed for Muslim’s backwardness. So-called secularists in Muslim community are too be blamed as they did not make space for Muslims in governments, media and politics despite they enjoy powers, reputation, sources, and money in above all sectors.
M. J. Akber who has joined BJP is not an Imam. He is not a clergy. He is not a Madarsa product. He is a very well-known personality of the country. What he did to improve Muslims image in media? How many times he raised his voices against distorted and biased reporting in the Media. Bukhari just made appeal while M. J. Akber joined the BJP.
There are lists of Muslim scholars who work against the community openly. Their articles and thoughts create more confusion than a solution.
Blaming and criticizing does not represent a good sign. We must expand our thoughts and come to the point instead of keeping Muslims divided even in sensitive scenario.
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Nadvi is a commentator on social and political issues.