Support yes, but no clean chit to the Cong, says Shahi Imam's brother

What made Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid, extend support to the Congress in the upcoming election? Coming at a juncture when the Muslim community is actively exploring the Aam Aadmi Party option, the Shahi Imam’s announcement was a bit of a surprise for many. However, it seems to be grounded in realistic assessment of the political situation. His decision followed the report of a 11-member fact-finding team which toured the country visiting members of the community over two months. In an interview to Firstpost, Tarik Bukhari, a member of the team and also the brother of the Shahi Imam, explains why the Congress is a poor option, but at least an option, for the Muslims.

He believes the Congress is by no means the exemplar of secularism. In fact, he says the party is responsible for the current status of the Muslims. Still it is the best bet among the parties available to take on the forces of communalism.

Q. On what basis did you support the Congress?

A. Following an extensive fact-finding exercise across the states we have come up with a report. The Shahi Imam has met Congress president Sonia Gandhi and presented a few issues concerning the community mentioned in the report to her. We had sought speedy trial in case of the Muslim youth languishing in jails after being charged with false cases. In many cases the chargesheets haven’t been filed even after a year from the time of the arrest. Secondly, we have spoken to her about the implementation of the Sachar committee and the Ranganath Mishra commission reports. We have also sought reservation for the Muslims. She agreed to give due urgency to the issues. She assured that in the future the Congress party will try its best to support the Muslims

Q. But why does the Imam have to call upon the Muslims to vote for the Congress?

A. The Imam never asked the Muslims to vote for Congress… But the current political scenario has to be considered too. The need of the hour is to keep the communal forces at bay. At the national level, the Congress is the only secular party which can stop them from coming to power.

Q. But hasn’t the Congress also played the religious cards with Muslims? Isn’t it exploiting the fear psychosis in the community by hyping up threat to the community from the BJP?

A. The answer is both yes and no, but this is how secularism plays out in the country. We in the past have seen these so called secular parties asking for votes by exploiting the religious sentiment. That’s what the Samajwadi Party has done. The BSP is criticising Narendra Modi only to get the Muslim votes. It’s true that no community or individual should vote on the basis of the consideration that any particular party should not come to power. People should consider who will ensure development. But security and justice are a big part of the development process too.

Q. Post 26/11, the detention of Muslim youth has gone up and that is happening only during a Congress government. Then how is it any different from any other party?

A. Not different at all. Barring the five-year NDA rule, it’s the Congress that has ruled the country for 60 years. We have not given any clean chit to the Congress. But I have said that it’s only keeping the current political scenario in mind that we have supported the party. As far as the Muslim issues are concerned, if the party comes to power, we will push them to resolve our issues. We agree that it’s the Congress which made Muslims suffer and put us where we are today.

Q. Apart from communalism what are the major issues before the Indian Muslims?

A. Security. It is the biggest issue for the Muslims in India. They have to be brought into the system. Unless they are a part of the system, the lack of security will remain for the Muslims in this country.

Q. When the Imam takes a decision to support the Congress, does it mean he is expressing the entire community’s sentiment? Doesn’t Congress’ corruption feature anywhere?

A. We are just appealing to the Muslims. We are not claiming that 100 percent of the Muslims will follow us. But communalism is the biggest threat to the country. Corruption is an issue but communalism is a threat. And we fear if an NDA government comes to power the communalism will rise in the country.

Q. In that case isn’t the Aam Aadmi Party a better option?

A. We want political parties to come out very clear as far as the Muslim issues are concerned. They have emerged mainly with the issue of corruption. Kejriwal was from the very beginning with Anna, who we believe is very close to the RSS. Moreover, we are yet to see how the AAP is going to be as a national party. Kejriwal has never said anything about the Muslims as he fears losing the Hindu votes.