Opinion Dwindling vote percentages?
The very low percentage of voting in many Muslim-concentration areas during the three phases of the polls...
The very low percentage of voting in many Muslim-concentration areas during the three phases of the polls (highlighted by a section of the Urdu Press) has come as a surprise. This time there was an unprecedented campaign in the Urdu Press,from different sections of the Muslim community,to vote in as large numbers as possible. What is significant is that apart from the usual political mobilisers,the campaign has now been taken forward by religious leaders who are motivating people to vote. Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani,a noted scholar of Islam,in his column in Hindustan Express (April 17) explains why voting is a religious obligation. He argues that voting for any candidate amounts to giving evidence like a witness in favour of the chosen candidate. Quran says that among the characteristics of a Muslim is the fact that he or she would never give false evidence,he says. Therefore,it is incumbent on Muslims to vote for an honest and competent candidate. Maulana Rahmani says that whereas giving false evidence is sin,not giving evidence where needed too is sin,according to Islamic principles and the shariah. This makes voting a duty of every Muslim. He quotes passages from the Quran and the prophets sayings to clarify and elucidate the Islamic view of elections and voting,in an effort to motivate fellow-Muslims to vote.
On the other hand,the low polling recorded by voters generally in the third phase of the poll has attracted editorial comments from many papers. Hindustan Express,(May 2) writes: Reduction in polling percentage in a democratic country is alarming. If the polling is 50 per cent or below,how will it be decided that the representative who has reached Parliament really represents the people? Jamaat-e-Islamis bi-weekly Daawat (May 7) says: Apart from the hot weather and some other reasons attributed to this low percentage of polling,the perceptions that have been received from various sources indicate that peoples grievance that their elected representatives take little interest in the peoples problems,is responsible for the peoples dwindling interest in voting,according to the paper. Rashtriya Sahara (May 2) finds no justification for avoiding polling booths because of anger or disgust with the candidates. It is the power of the vote that paves the way for peaceful transfer of power and plays its role in the countrys development, it writes.
Modi and Gujarat riots?
The Supreme Court order to probe the alleged role of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and some ministers and officers in the riots of 2002 has been the cause of celebration by the Urdu Press,as reflected by the headlines in most papers: Maut ke saudagar ke khilaf tehqiqat ka hukm (probe order against merchant of death: Hamara Samaj,Delhi); Maqtool Ehsan Jafri ki bewa ke aansoo rang laye (tears of widow of murdered Ehsan Jafri have shown results: Sahafat,Delhi); Supreme Court ke taarikhi faisley say insaaf ki ummeed jagi (hope for justice kindled by supreme courts historic order: Hindustan Express,Delhi).
Hyderabad-based Rahnuma-e-Deccan,in its editorial on April 20 has reminded its readers that this is not the first time that the Supreme Court has raised questions about the role of the Gujarat government in the riots. Earlier,the SC had even described the Chief Minister as Gujarats Nero, the paper points but As this order is of the judiciary,Modi is tongue-tied even though here too he is seeing a conspiracy of the Congress, the paper says.
Editorial writers have,however,desisted from expressing hope of any significant harm to Modi and keep their fingers crossed. Delhi-based Hindustan Express (April 29) writes: The Supreme Courts order has indeed gladdened Zakia Naseem (Jafris widow) and all those like her who love humanism,have interest in Hindu-Muslim unity and want to see communalists like Modi in jail. But they know that there is very little hope that Modi will be arrested or he would get any punishment.
A commentary in Rashtriya Sahara (April 29) states: Every lover of justice in India accepts that Modi,members of his cabinet and government personnel were fully involved in the Gujarat riots. Now it has to be seen that in this battle of Zakia Jafri,what report the SIT submits,how it accesses the records of telephone calls and whether those who had shed the blood of innocent citizens are given appropriate treatment.
Advanis Pakistani voters?
A page 1 anchor in Hamara Samaj (April 22) carries a report from Islamabad: Photographs of BJPs Prime Ministerial candidate,L.K. Advani,are being published prominently in Pakistani newspapers,The News and Jung,as advertisements and it seems that Mr Advani needs Pakistani votes for reaching the top position. The report says that some political parties are issuing advertisements to a number of leading Pakistani newspapers (for display on their online editions) and television news channels,leading to immense income for these networks.
Compiled by Seema Chishti
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