Pick secularism over fascism: Muslims’ body backs Cong, AAP

“Frustrate the fascist agenda and help secular forces win the next elections. Vote for the AAP and the Congress on the national level and for Muslim parties where they have established themselves in Kerala, Assam and Hyderabad,” AIMMM said in a statement on Monday.
At the regional level, AIMMM put its support behind a number of regional parties including the BSP in Uttar Pradesh, the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, the JD(U) and RJD in Bihar, the CPI in the southern states, the Indian Union Muslim League in Kerala and the AUDF in Assam. It also extended its support to Union Law Minister, Salman Khurshid who is contesting from Farrukhabad.

“The biggest danger is that fascist and communalist elements may come to power. With false propaganda, attempt is being made to create an impression that there is a one-person wave in the country. However, this fake wave is a product of unreliable and irresponsible sections of media and a result of rumours spread by the Sangh Parivar,” AIMMM  president, Zafarul Islam said.

Criticising BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, Islam said that no one person could solve the issues faced by the country today, let alone someone who is considered the “greatest danger” to the communal harmony and the secular fabric of the nation.

“Different problems have come up in various states and it is nothing but fraud to claim that all these will be solved if he becomes the prime minister. The basic powers in our democratic and federal system rest with the states, and no prime minister can intervene in matters of regional governance…,” Islam said.

The AIMMM leadership also drew people’s attention towards the Congress manifesto in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, when it had promised to provide 4.5 per cent reservation to Muslims. “But the result of this promise is known to all.” Islam said.

He also criticised the “much-hyped” Communal Violence (Prevention) Bill, which, according to the organisation, was allowed to lapse because of lack of political will.

“Another ‘secular’ party, SP, had declared in its manifesto during the UP Assembly elections in 2012 that 9 per cent reservation would be given to Muslims. They had also pledged to release innocent youth arrested for alleged terror activities. But they did not deliver on a single promise. Muzaffarnagar riots and insults to the riot-affected people need no elaboration,” he said.