Author: Rajesh N Singh
Publication: The Times of India
Date: August 7, 2006
URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1863404.cms
Mulayam's efforts to be in the good books
of the minority community might receive a blow with the controversial minister
for minority welfare Haji Yaqub Qureshi openly stating that the Samajwadi
Party would have to pay a heavy price in the next Assembly elections for deceiving
the minorities.
"Ab dobara sarkar banana Mulayam ke liye
sapna hi rahega," said Qureshi. "Mulayam stands exposed in the eyes
of the Muslims. Except for lip service, Mulayam Singh Yadav has done nothing
for the minorities especially the Muslims," he said.
Talking to TOI here on Sunday, Qureshi said,
"this is the third time when Mulayam Singh Yadav is occupying the chair
of chief minister but I have little hesitation in saying that contrary to
the projection that he cares a lot for the minorities, nothing substantial
has been done by him for the community."
Claiming that 5th Floor (CM's office) had
been the biggest stumbling block when it comes to introducing any welfare
scheme for the minorities, Qureshi said, "people may not be knowing but
the fact remains that there are a few officers sitting on the 5th floor of
the Secretariat who always create hurdles in minorities related issues."
He said that in this connection he had written
several letters to the CM but nothing was done. When asked what compelled
him to continue in Mulayam's government when he was unhappy with his style
of functioning, Qureshi said, "I am not at his mercy.
He is free to remove me as I will continue
to speak the truth which definitely is a bitter pill for the chief minister."
On being asked the party he would choose to
contest the next Assembly elections, Qureshi said, "question of contesting
of SP ticket is completely ruled out but let me clear once for all that neither
I will seek a Congress or the BSP ticket to enter the Assembly next time."
He claimed that the entire Muslim community
had been rallying behind him and it was not an exaggeration but a fact that
atleast 50 other candidates on his support would sail through.
"In the next government, we will be there
as a leading partner and not as a mere supporting outfit," was Qureshi's
optimistic claim.
Highly critical of Azam Khan for his efforts
to establish a Urdu university in the name of Maulana Ali Jauhar, the minister
said, "Jauhar university chanda khane ka dhong hai. Jab sarkar bana rahi
thi to qaum per bojh kyon daal rahe hai Azam.
But for a person who cannot spare even graveyards,
this chanda-khori is a lesser evil." He even blamed the chief minister
for not restricting Azam Khan from his "illegal" activities.
