Some Muslim organisations and leaders have expressed unhappiness over the candidature of former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin, nominated by Congress to contest Lok Sabha polls from Rajasthan, saying he has no connection to the state.
Former Congress MLA Maqbool Mandelia came out against the party’s decision to field Azharuddin from Tonk-Sawaimadhopur constituency and said the party should review the decision to avoid possible loss in Lok Sabha elections.
Madelia also expressed resentment against the party’s refusal of ticket to his son Rafiq Mandelia from Churu and alleged the party’s local leaders kept him in the dark on the ticket distribution.
“Azharuddin is not a local leader. He had earlier contested from Moradabad (UP) and now he has changed his constituency. The party should clarify why he was given ticket.
“At the same time, my son was denied ticket from Churu despite the fact that he fulfilled the criterion decided by our leader Rahul Gandhi,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference organised by Muslim organisations India Jamaitul Kuresh (Rajasthan) and Pink City Haz and Welfare Society, Mandelia said the party would have to face loss in the elections because of such decisions.
He claimed local leaders gave wrong feedback to the party high command.
“If the party wanted to give ticket to Azharuddin, then what was the need of denying minority ticket from Churu? We do not consider film stars and celebrities as minority candidates”, he said.
Asked if he was considering contesting elections as an independent candidate, Rafiq Mandelia said the decision will be taken after discussing with their supporters in Churu.
All India Jamaitul Kuresh (Rajasthan) General Secretary Shabbir Ahmed said the minority community strongly protests against Azharuddin’S candidature.
He alleged Congress was trying to finish the local leadership. “What was the need for bringing an outsider?” he said.
Abdul Salam Johar, President Pink City Haz and Welfare Society, said that looking at the minority populations, Congress should give two to three tickets
–_PTi