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Journalism of Courage
The Trinamool Congres (TMC) finds itself in the middle of another controversy after its minister and senior leader Firhad Hakim earlier this month said at an All India Quran Competition in Kolkata that those “not born in Islam are unfortunate” and that the religion should be “spread among non-Muslims”.
The BJP raised the matter in the Assembly this week, creating an uproar and calling for Hakim’s resignation. Responding to the BJP on Wednesday, Hakim said the matter “should not be discussed” as it “did not take place inside the Assembly”. On Thursday, Hakim again claimed that his remarks had been misinterpreted and that he had not intention to hurt anyone.
Hakim, who is also Kolkata mayor, speaks to The Indian Express about the controversy. Excerpts:
I won’t comment on this. I only said that I believe in Islam and that I also have equal respect for all religions. I will remain non-communal.
What they (BJP leaders) have done is very unfortunate. This should not be done. That is why I remained silent on this.
They (BJP leaders) do this all the time. Their job is to do communal politics. Since I am a Muslim, they do this to me even more. They always try to attack me. In Bengal, people know what is what. They never give any space to communal forces.
I do not believe there is any Muslim vote bank or Hindu vote bank. After Mamata Banerjee became the Chief Minister, she did a lot of developmental work for people. People are happy with the TMC and they are with us.
Why will it affect Durga Puja? They (BJP) do politics over religion because there is no ground beneath their feet. We all are citizens of India. Durga Puja is for everyone. There is no Hindu-Muslim thing here.
