The Hindu : National / Elections 2004 : Q & A : E. Ahmed

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Saturday, May 01, 2004

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National - Elections 2004

Q & A : E. Ahmed

'Secular front need of the hour'

The national general secretary of the Indian Union Muslim League, E. Ahmed, has been a strong advocate of an anti-BJP front, which, he feels, is the need of the hour. He also feels that the IUML, which has been an active participant in the political process in Kerala, could be a role model for members of the community in other States. Excerpts from an interview with Girish Menon:

What are the Indian Union Muslim League's priorities in this election?

The IUML has been in the forefront of the demand for a secular front to fight the BJP because it is the need of the hour. A secular dispensation at the Centre alone would be able to address the problems of the country, especially with regard to the social and educational advancement, the abysmally poor representation of minority communities in State and Central public sector enterprises and last but not the least, their sense of security. The BJP-led NDA Government's attitude towards the minority communities has been partisan and has created an invisible wall between various sections. This wall can be demolished only under a dispensation led by secular forces.

The BJP has been claiming that it has been able to attract members from the minority communities, including Muslims...

I challenge the BJP leaders to name one benefit the Muslim community has derived from the NDA rule. The Vajpayee Government, during the last five years, has restricted, regulated and denied Haj travel subsidy, which had been sanctioned by the Centre during Indira Gandhi's prime ministership. The Sangh Parivar has been baiting the community through its Muslim, masjid, and madrasa campaigns. This has created deep wounds in the community. In the case of POTA, we have been arguing the case of innocent persons belonging to the community who have been put behind the bars on charges of indulging in extremist activity.

Do you think there is a vacuum in Muslim politics at the national level?

I don't think there is a vacuum. It is a question of inadequacy of the Muslim leadership in taking up important issues in time. The Muslim leadership is scattered in different political parties and therefore has its own limitations. On the other hand, a party like the IUML can take up the legitimate causes of the community without the fear of being criticised. The POTA issue is an example I could point out.

What role do you perceive for the IUML in the post-election situation?

It is an undisputed fact that the religious minorities have not been given a role in the national mainstream politics as much as they would have liked. In national interests, it is essential to give members of the Muslim community a sense of participation in national politics. In Kerala, the presence of the IUML as a political force has ensured that the Muslim community involves itself in social, political and economic activities of society in general. The community is convinced that constitutional means can ultimately bring big benefits in development and progress. This should be translated in the political landscape of other States as well. The Muslim community is facing a sense of alienation and marginalisation. The IUML wants to play a positive, forward-looking and vibrant political role for bringing the Muslim community into mainstream politics.

Are you projecting the IUML's role in Kerala as a model to be emulated?

The IUML has always advocated communal amity and religious harmony, which along with secularism is essential for a plural society like India's. If the Kerala experience is any indication, the minority communities cannot solve their problems on their own and would have to seek the active assistance and cooperation of the secular forces, including the majority community. In the Babri Masjid issue, the IUML has always stood for the resolution of the problem through the judicial process. The BJP on the other hand has been taking contradictory positions. We have always taken the moderate path. And this has been vindicated in Kerala.

How do you rate the UDF's chances in this election?

This time the UDF will better its performance in spite of the numerous problems it is facing. The CPI (M) and the LDF it leads have failed to present a convincing goal before the people in this election. They lack a star campaigner and some of their leaders are speaking in contradictory terms. The Congress-led UDF has clearly identified its aim: to bring a secular front government to power. And the UDF is leading its campaign with single-minded determination.

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