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'Congress has taken Muslims for granted'

'Congress has taken Muslims for granted'

Author: Roxy Gagdekar
Publication: DNA (Daily News & Analysis)
Date: April 22, 2009
URL: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1249670&pageid=2

Introduction: Ex-ADGP AI Saiyed says he joined BJP because it is a party of good people

Retired additional director general of police (ADGP) AI Saiyed's decision to join the BJP appears to have given the party some boost this Lok Sabha election. Though he has apparently not been entrusted any major responsibility, he is widely expected to help BJP make inroads into Muslim votes.

"I find BJP a good party and the people associated with it are also good. This is a factor which motivated me to join the party," Saiyed told DNA a few days after joining the saffron outfit.

Saiyed said there were many wrong notions about the BJP and it could be changed if more educated people from the minority joined it. Saiyed officially joined BJP on March 29 at a function in Patan.

About his role in the party, he said, "Whatever work the party will assign me, I will do with utmost sincerity. The BJP has posed trust in me and I will not let the party down," Saiyed said.

Many educated people from the minority community have recently expressed their disenchantment with Congress.

"Congress has been taking Muslim votes for granted for all these years. We will no longer be fooled by this. The Muslims will not vote for a party which treats them as nothing but vote bank," a Muslim intellectual told DNA.

Saiyed refused to comment on Congress. But he targeted Ahmed Patel, a senior Congress leader from Gujarat. "He has visited Gujarat only during this election after 2002 riots and never issued a single statement for Muslims here," he said.

"I will join the BJP candidates during their visits to the Muslim-dominated areas. I am confident a large number of Muslim voters will shift their loyalties to BJP in the coming elections," said Saiyed.

Saiyed admits his main objective to join the BJP is to bring the Muslims back in the mainstream.The other issues that he plans to highlight in the coming elections include education and awareness among the Muslims about the right perspective and the social fabric of Gujarat.

"More Muslims have been killed in riots before 2002. Why is only 2002 being highlighted?" Saiyed asked and added, "On the other hand, not a single Muslim has been killed in Gujarat in communal riots since 2002, is it not safety for them?"


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