Jaipur, August 03: Seventeen Muslim organisations under the banner of Rajasthan Muslim Forum organised a protest against the ruling Congress for not nominating
any Muslim for the Rajya Sabha on Sunday.
Speaking to the media persons, convenor of the forum, Kari Moinudin, accused Congress leaders of exploiting Muslims to get MLA seats and to increase Cabinet berths in the parliament.
“When it comes to serving the community by giving them a political leadership or to initiate measures to empower them. The party always put their hands-off,” said Moinudin.
During the Lok Sabha elections, Congress has overlooked the community demand of granting four tickets in the districts which has a sizeable Muslim population. “They gave one ticket that too, on a losing ground,” alleged Kari Moinudin, convenor of the Forum.
The members of the forum opined that social justice cannot be attained till they get a political leadership. “Political empowerment is necessary for the growth of Muslims,” said Salim Engineer, head of Jamait-Ulema-E-Hind.
Since 2003, no Muslim candidate was given an opportunity to represent the community either in the Lok Sabha or in the Rajya Sabha. “Congress shouldn’t forget that Muslims played a pivotal role in the formation of state government and in the centre. Now it’s time for them to atleast fulfil the promises made to us during elections,” added Engineer.
In a joint statement, they accused the Congress of not utilising the Central government fund under the Pre-Metric Scholarships for Minority Students. “Almost half of the students applications for scholarships were rejected by the concerned officials citing funds shortage,” said Engineer
They warned state government that if they continue to be apathetic towards the community, then the Muslims are also free to take their own course of action.
–Agencies