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MP Mahmud Madani
addressing the Mumbai meeting.
(Obaid Khan) |
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Proportionate
representation of Muslims in the cabinet
Demands that
remain a Dream:
However the
question that arises from these facts is, for how long would we
continue to rely on these leaders despite their persistent failures
in delivering to safeguard the interests of the community. The
answer to this question is hidden in a painful reality. At the time
when various communities in the political ....
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Mumbai:
Muslim leaders cutting across the party line who gathered in a large
number from all across Maharashtra in Mumbai yesterday demanded
reservation for Muslims in the state on line with the decisions
taken by the Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Governments. In their
demand to the State Government, they also found leaders from Maratha
Seva Sangh and Dalit leaders from Republican Party of India (RPI)
standing shoulder to shoulder with them.
“You cannot go on to rule merely by promising the Muslims. The
Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka governments have already decided for
Muslim reservation. It is time for the government of Maharashtra to
follow the suite”, Jamiatul Ulema leader and Member of Parliament
(MP) Maulana Mahmud Ah Madani said in his presidential address.
Stating that the Indian constitution denies prejudice against anyone
on the basis of religion but the Muslim community is continuously
subjected to bias and unfairness because of its faith, Mahmud Madani
said, “If this is not the case why the government is sitting on the
Rangnath Mishra Commission Report and not willing to implement the
recommendations made therein.”
In his speech well known educationalist PA Inamdar, who had convened
the meeting held at Shanmukhanand Hall in the state capital warned
the government from making empty promises. “You lure us with empty
promises every time the elections are round the corner. But never
ever you seriously try for their implementation”, he said before
adding, “It is time you pay heed to our demands or get ready to
relinquish the power you are enjoying now.”
Stating that the commissions and committee reports are not going to
serve any purpose for the Muslim community, President of the
Republican Party of India (RPI) and ex-MP Ramdas Athawale advised,
“Your demands are legitimate. But you need a persistent and well
coordinated effort to move the Government.”
Agreeing with Ramdas Athawale President of Maratha Seva Sangh
Parshottam Khedaikar said, “The Muslims are key to the government
formation. Yet there voice is not heard because they are not united
and shy away from persistent efforts.”
The two leaders coined the idea of Dalit-Muslim unity to bring the
government to its knees.
Criticizing the way the government is publicizing various
scholarships for the Muslim community, Pashabhai Patel said, “Dalit
students are given scholarships without any application fees.
Muslims apply with five hundred to thousand rupees in the form of
fees yet a large number of them are left without any scholarship.”
Interestingly, as soon as Pasha Patel observed this people who were
crammed inside the giant Shanmukhanand Hall approved by raising
their hands and stating, “Yes our children did not receive any
scholarship even after completing every formality.”
The meeting concluded with a decision to organize dharnas in
every district and at every major city in the state if Government of
Maharashtra does not take any decision even now.
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