Gujarat’s lone Muslim MLA: ‘BJP minister says no curfews, riots since 2002 … then why is Disturbed Areas Act imposed?’

Excerpts:

* The Congress has officially not said anything about your objection to the BJP minister Jagdish Vishwakarma’s remarks. Why?

It is not like they have not been speaking against the BJP’s statements. But the way Jagdish Vishwakarma targeted the (Muslim) community… I objected to it and stood up to say that he cannot target one community. Gujarat has a 6.5 crore population and each person has their beliefs. Being a minister, you cannot give such statements in the Vidhan Sabha… All of Gujarat is watching you.

My microphone was off (during the session). I should have been allowed to speak officially, but I was not. So, I spoke loudly. He (Vishwakarma) also claimed there have been no curfews or riots in Gujarat since 2002. He should tell why they (the government) are imposing the Disturbed Areas Act in Surat, Rajkot, and other areas in Ahmedabad and Vadodara. The minister could not reply to these. He only had one objective: targeting Muslims.

* Did other Congress MLAs support you?

We are just 12 people. When the minister was replying in the House, there were hardly five to six Congress MLAs present… All of them supported me. They would have officially supported me if I had been allowed to speak. Also, four of our MLAs were suspended that morning. They would have supported me as well.

* Do you plan to raise the issue again?

With our low numbers, we get less time in the House to speak. When I get the opportunity to speak, I will certainly talk in the House and also seek a reply from Jagdish Vishwakarma.

We always talk about peace in Gujarat. Every year, Jagannath Rath Yatra across the walled city (in Ahmedabad) is carried out peacefully. We want to give the message that we do not get involved in Hindu-Muslim politics. We want to talk about development. There has been demolition politics going on (under the BJP) … I only hope that the government provides alternative arrangements.

* Earlier too, during discussions on “love jihad”, for example, your name was brought up in the Assembly.

These statements have now increased over time. I am the only Muslim MLA in a House of 182. I am being specifically targeted. Whenever there is an issue involving my community, they point at me as if I am the accused. I really feel hurt.

I only demanded an apology (from Vishwakarma). But they (the BJP) are not affected by anything. Whenever I stand to speak, they only have one thing on their mind — that I am a Muslim MLA. I am an elected representative… Both Hindus and Muslims have voted for me. The constituency I represent, Jamalpur Khadia, has 60% Muslims and 40% Hindus. I do not get involved in Hindu-Muslim politics. I follow the Constitution and talk about the rights given by the Constitution.

Muslims in Gujarat are at a loss. They need to be aware, unite, and choose deserving candidates so that they can take up issues in the Assembly and outside.

The government should create faith in the system. When BJP ministers or parliamentarians deliver incendiary speeches, it pains Muslims. It is our country, we will die on this soil.

* Are Muslims turning away from the Congress and moving to the BJP?

Muslims who might have contested from the BJP have done so under compulsion or to seek cover for their illegal acts.

* The Congress will hold its AICC session in Gujarat after 64 years. What are the issues on the table?

We are still working on it. The session will either happen in Ahmedabad or Gandhinagar.

* What should the Congress be doing in Gujarat to improve its performance?

In Gujarat, we have not been in power for 30 years. It is obvious that people have distanced themselves from us. The police detain us during protests, but still our supporters stand by us. We want to strengthen our party. The Congress believes in taking everyone forward, which is what we will do.