Muslim leaders lend support to Mukul Roy’s yet to be formed party

“We have had several rounds of discussions before. I have heard that he (Roy) would be floating a new political party soon. I cannot take a decision alone regarding an alliance. It will depend on the members of our front which comprises six parties. There will have to be an agreement and if there is an agenda (in Roy’s outfit) for the members of minority communities and Dalits, we can lend our support,” Mollah told The Indian Express.

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He also said that Roy has invited him to a book release function at the Press Club on June 28 and later for an iftar party at Nizam Palace, which Mollah said he would have to decline. The leader, however, did not specify the reason behind his stance.

Siddiqullah Chowdhury, prominent Muslim leader and general secretary of Jamiat Ulema-E-Hind, too, said he would be “interested” in discussion with Roy if the latter approaches him.

“It is a new party and given the political scenario, it would be difficult to predict how it will fare, but if it has constructive plans for the Muslims, we may discuss terms and conditions across the table and, if need be, form an alliance.”

Furfura Sharif Pirzada Taha Siddiqui, whom Roy had met several times in the recent past reportedly “to seek blessings”, doesn’t see a reason not to support Roy.

“If Mukul floats a new political party and it works towards the betterment of Muslims, why would we not support it? But then, if it promises and then fails to deliver, I will not hesitate to criticise it as well,” said Siddiqui who “never wished to become a political leader but has always supported those who work for the well-being of Muslims”.

“In our meetings (with Roy), we hardly ever discuss politics,” Siddiqui emphasised.

But not all see Roy’s hypothetical party flourishing, with prominent among them being Syed Md Nurur Rahman Barkati, Imam of Tipu Sultan Masjid, who said that Roy’s attempt will, in a way, help the BJP grow in the state.

“Other than a very few, not everyone would leave the Trinamool to join Mukul’s party. If at all Roy manages to find support of minority leaders from CPM and the Congress, it will not only weaken the two parties but also held the BJP get stronger here,” he said.