Miffed leaders say Kejriwal 'ignored' Muslims in Mumbai

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal seems to have failed to woo Muslim community in Mumbai. Leaders on Wednesday expressed their displeasure at Kejriwal not allowing them to put forth their views, and failing to discuss issues that affect the community when he addressed a gathering at Khilafat house in Byculla in South Mumbai.

Kejriwal’s roadshow began from Nana chowk and proceeded to Khilafat house in South Mumbai travelling through the Muslim dominated areas.

However, the Muslim community leaders said that AAP too was ignoring Muslims. “We were called to discuss various issues of the community. It is very sad that we were not allowed to speak at the gathering. Did they call us to treat in this way?” asked MA Khalid, general secretary of the All India Milli Council (Maharashtra).

“There is no difference between BJP leader Narendra Modi and Kejriwal. They make attempts to show that they are with us but continue to ignore us,” Khalid added.

At the gathering, Kejriwal urged the Muslim community leaders to vote for the AAP to root out corruption. “Before every election, riots are being created. It leads to polarization of votes in the society and sidelines the corruption issue. Both parties have done nothing either for Hindus or Muslims,” said Kejriwal urging the community to vote for AAP and not wait five years for another election.

Meera Sanyal, AAP candidate for South Mumbai tried to pacify leaders blaming it on Kejriwal’s busy day. “Due to Arvind Kejriwal’s tight schedule, the Muslim leaders did not get chance to put forth their views and issues they wanted addressed. But, we will have another meeting with these leaders soon,” said Sanyal.