‘Secularists’ dividing Hindus & Muslims: Shahnawaz
Personally I stand for Akhand Bharat
Syed Shahnawaz Hussain is a young two-time BJP MP with a broad, progressive outlook. He was yet to complete 32 when he became first a Minister of State and later elevated to Cabinet rank in NDA government at the Centre. From the start of his political career he is in the BJP. Presently, he is the President of BJP Minority Morcha Cell. Congress-Lalu-Mulayam are politically thriving on by creating divisions between Hindus and Muslims, he says. “If there was no misunderstanding between the two main communities, many leaders and political parties, I realized, would go out of political business”. BJP is practicing an honest secularism and giving equal respect and honour to all communities, including Muslims, he maintains.
Amba Charan Vashishth had a detailed interview with him in Delhi in the last month. Excerpts:
What made you to join politics?My original dream was to be a doctor or engineer. When I was in third class, I discovered that President and Prime Minister was the highest office in the country. Therefore, I got fascinated towards politics. Even otherwise, I had interest in politics from my school days. When in the eighth class I contested a school election, but lost by just one vote. I did my Matriculation in 1982 getting 87 percent marks. I wanted to join Aligarh Muslim University but we were hard up of money because we had lost our lands to the tillers. My mother said she would sell her ornaments to make me study higher. I revolted. I said I can remain uneducated, but not study with this money. I did my intermediate staying with my maternal uncle where I came in contact with Shri George Fernandes.
Why only BJP even when there is so much propaganda regarding its being anti-minorities?
In 1984 I came to Delhi in Pusa Polytechnic from where I received a diploma. Here I came in contact with Shri Suresh Srivastava who was connected with BJP. He told me in detail about BJP. He took me to BJP leader Shri Arif Beg. I took a dig at him: How is he in BJP being a Muslim? We waited for him. As he heralded I came to know he was coming after namaz. I myself was not used to it at that time. I got impressed.
Shri Arif Beg made me understand that BJP is a big party working for the welfare of Hindus/Muslims and if more and more Muslims associated with it, the Hindu-Muslim unity will get strengthened. The misunderstanding and misconception about BJP in the Muslim mind is because of lack of communication and false propaganda by vested interests who, for their political selfishness, do not wish that Hindus and Muslims should be one. We have to act as a bridge between the two communities, he told me.
From there started my association with BJP and I never looked back. I myself found that there was great false propaganda against BJP. As my association with the party grew deeper and longer, my dedication and commitment to the Party went on increasing. I found BJP was the only party that was truly and honestly secular while others were just paying a lip service just for community’s votes without doing anything for it. BJP, I found, entertained no ill-will against Muslims and all my misgivings were removed. If there was no misunderstanding between the two main communities, many leaders and political parties, I realized, would go out of political business.
How did you scale up the ladder?Then I came in contact with ABVP national president Shri Raj Kumar Bhatia and Sushri Uma Bharti. I worked in JNU. I became active in BJP Yuva Morcha. On December 4, 1997 I organised a Muslim Youth sammelan in Delhi which impressed both Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Shri Lal Krishna Advani. Atalji said if Shahnawaz could enter Parliament that would be good. I was made to contest against Syed Shahabuddin from Kishanganj whose 70 percent population is Muslim. Only Shri Sushil Modi had come for my election campaign. I was defeated by this stalwart by just six thousand votes. But I did not lose heart. I stuck to the constituency and worked hard. In 1999 Lok Sabha elections I defeated Mr Taslimuddin. My first speech in Lok Sabha was on Ayodhya. Atalji blessed me with an embrace. Advaniji and Georgeji also appreciated it.
Was your work and dedication rewarded?Yes, very much. I was first made a Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs. Later, I was given independent charge of Coal. Then, I was elevated to Cabinet rank with the Textile portfolio and later given the charge of Civil Aviation. I was made a member of the Central Election Committee in which I still continue. When Venkaiahji, Advaniji and Rajnathji became Party presidents, they made me the National Secretary. Now I have been made the President of the Minority Morcha. Rajnathji said, “It will send out a positive message and help the party reach out to minority communities”.
When some 'secular' leaders or some of your Muslim brothers call BJP 'communal', what feelings does it ignite in your mind?I only laugh at their ignorance. They are living on misconceptions and only harming the cause of the community. I can say with confidence that no party is more secular than BJP. In fact, in India we have two kinds of secularism -- honest secularism and dishonest one. BJP is practicing the honest secularism. It is a false propaganda that BJP is opposed to minorities. The so-called secular parties are responsible for the present plight and sufferings of the Muslim community. Post-Godhra riots in Gujarat are an aberration under BJP rule. There have been numerous communal riots in Gujarat under successive Congress governments. During the past seven years, not a single case of communal riots has taken place in Gujarat. If the opposition criticizes Shri Modi for other things, it should also appreciate at least this achievement of his.
We do not make distinction between majority and minority. BJP Minority Morcha Cell shows that there is a place of honour for minorities in the Party.
Did you any time feel that you are a misfit in BJP?No. Never. I did never feel any time that I am being discriminated against being a Muslim. In spite of my being quite young, I have always received place of honour and invited to every important party meeting, chintan bhaithaks in Goa and Mumbai.
What does religion mean to you?For me rashtra dharma is supreme. Pitri dharma and matri dharma also come in the same category. Whether somebody recites his namaz or worships a god; it is a matter personal to him.
.
Crores of Muslims because of their love for the motherland decided to stay put in India after Partition and could not be lured into shifting to Pakistan just because of their religious affinity. Do you think they have assimilated themselves into the national mainstream?Crores of Muslims because of their patriotism and love for India continued to live in their motherland despite partition of the country on communal lines. Those who accepted partition migrated to Pakistan. But our ancestors decided to stick to their soil. They preferred to throw their lot with their Hindu brethren than with others. That is why today we have a galaxy of Muslims who have brought laurels to the country -- Capt. Abdul Hamid, Capt. Hanifuddin, Sania Mirza, Zahir Khan, Irfan Khan, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and many others.
How safe, in your view, are minorities in India, particularly in NDA or BJP-ruled States?Minorities are safer in the BJP and NDA-ruled States than elsewhere. I want an open discussion on this issue. The condition of Muslims is very bad in the States of West Bengal and Assam while they are quite well off in Gujarat where Muslims have a higher per capita income than in other States.
How far, in your view, the abolition of Article 370 in the Constitution and Common Civil Code is going to adversely affect the interests of minorities, particularly Muslims?If Article 370 had been scrapped, there would have been no Kashmir problem today. It even discriminates between a J&K Muslim and a Muslim in the rest of the country. Today people of Jammu-Kashmir can purchase property in Patna, but the people, including Muslims, of the rest of the country cannot in J&K. If Article 370 is removed, I would wish to have a house in Gulmarg area. Mr. Omar Abdullah says I am an Indian, but he speaks a different language in his State. Article 370 should be scrapped immediately.
I stand for a Common Civil Code. Actually, it involves reforms only in marriage laws. Today Hindus and Muslims wear the same clothes; they have common food habits. India presents a picture of unity in diversity. Actually, some people are misleading the Muslims saying that if this is done, Muslims will have to don dhoti and instead of visiting a graveyard (kabristan) they will have to go to Hindu cremation grounds. This is all non-sense, unfortunate
What place do minorities enjoy in your Party?A place of respect and honour like any Hindu.
What have you so far done to dispel the misgivings about BJP among minorities?I have been assigned the duty to connect more and more minorities with the BJP. It is as difficult a matter as it is easy. It is a challenge too. Reason: Since the days of Nehru, a sustained campaign has been continuing to paint Jana Sangh and now BJP as anti-minority. This impression is now getting obliterated. We organized a Muslim Yuva Sammelan in 1997. Advaniji’s speech was very much appreciated there. We wish to turn the injustice that is being perpetrated against Muslims since the days of Congress into justice. Recently, we organized a rally at Kota (Rajasthan) where 20,000 Muslims participated. Morcha organized rallies against terrorism all over the country. Indo-US Deal is an attempt to enslave India. It is against Indians whether they are Hindus, Muslims or others.
Terrorism is a great threat to the country. This must be curbed at all costs. On this account, Muslims of the country, as a whole, should not be seen as suspects. They love the country and are patriots.
What should the majority and minority communities do to obliterate the distinction between the two to make India acquire one identity of Indians and Indians alone?In the Muslim Yuva Sammelan we passed a resolution that cow-slaughter should be banned. Media ignored it. Darrul Uloom has also demanded its ban. Muslims need to come forward on this issue. Ram Mandir issue too should be solved amicably through understanding between the two communities.
We want that Afzal Guru should be hanged as per the verdict of the Supreme Court. The only problem is that we look at him as a terrorist and Congress-Lalu-Mulayam look at him as a Muslim. They look at terrorism through the prism of religion. It is the Congress and its friends who have put a question mark on the patriotism of Muslims. POTA should be revived. Section 302 IPC too is misused; should it also be abolished?
To what extent has the rise of terrorism, particularly the cross-border terrorism, impacted the life of Muslims in India?I wish to make it clear that Pakistan is the enemy of Indian Muslims. Muslims in India are thriving unhindered. They have made the country proud with having Presidents, Chief Justices, Vice-Presidents, Governors, and made their name in every sphere including cricket and films. This Pakistan cannot digest. That is why it is conspiring against India. It is Pakistan and not Hindus who are enemies of Muslims. ISI is the mother of all troubles. If Pakistan had not been created, Hindus and Muslims would have progressed shoulder to shoulder. Although I accept the reality of Pakistan, yet as an Indian I stand for the concept of Akhand Bharat. If the Berlin wall can fall leading to unification of East and West Germany, India and Pakistan can also be one day united into one country.
What are the main reasons for the backwardness of the Muslim community, particularly women?Congress which ruled over the country for about 50 years since independence is responsible for all the ills and problems facing the minorities, particularly Muslims. They have not allowed Muslims to join the national mainstream just to exploit them for votes.
How much weightage would you give to the fatwas of Deoband?Day-today fatwas have no meaning. These should be issued only when necessary and should be for the benefit and progress of the community
What are your Minority Morcha’s immediate plans, particularly in view of the year-end elections in five State assemblies and then Lok Sabha elections in 2009?The Muslim community is angry with Congress Party for all the ills facing it. It feels cheated. Muslims are making the country proud in every field. If Israel and Philistine could be at peace; if Sushri Mayawati can have friendship with Brahmins, why can’t BJP earn the faith and confidence of Muslims when it is their real benefactor? It is not something impossible.
We will mobilize the minority community by organizing large demonstrations, rallies and conferences. Three times in the past Shri Rajnath Singh has come to our conferences. Shri Advaniji too blessed our programmes. Shri Atalji is also with us. We plan to organize a massive Muslim rally in Delhi where we expect a congregation of 2 lakh Muslims to show that Muslims in India are with BJP.
Muslims have great faith in the clean and honest image of Advaniji. Under his leadership BJP will form a government at the Centre. This government will usher in all-round prosperity and progress of the minorities. ***
‘Secularists’ dividing Hindus & Muslims: ShahnawazPersonally I stand for Akhand BharatShri Syed Shahnawaz Hussain is a young two-time BJP MP with a broad, progressive outlook. He was yet to complete 32 when he became first a Minister of State and later elevated to Cabinet rank in NDA government at the Centre. From the start of his political career he is in the BJP. Presently, he is the President of BJP Minority Morcha Cell. Congress-Lalu-Mulayam are politically thriving on by creating divisions between Hindus and Muslims, he says. “If there was no misunderstanding between the two main communities, many leaders and political parties, I realized, would go out of political business”. BJP is practicing an honest secularism and giving equal respect and honour to all communities, including Muslims, he maintains.
Shri Amba Charan Vashishth had a detailed interview with him in Delhi in the last week of July. Excerpts:
What made you to join politics?My original dream was to be a doctor or engineer. When I was in third class, I discovered that President and Prime Minister was the highest office in the country. Therefore, I got fascinated towards politics. Even otherwise, I had interest in politics from my school days. When in the eighth class I contested a school election, but lost by just one vote. I did my Matriculation in 1982 getting 87 percent marks. I wanted to join Aligarh Muslim University but we were hard up of money because we had lost our lands to the tillers. My mother said she would sell her ornaments to make me study higher. I revolted. I said I can remain uneducated, but not study with this money. I did my intermediate staying with my maternal uncle where I came in contact with Shri George Fernandes.
Why only BJP even when there is so much propaganda regarding its being anti-minorities?In 1984 I came to Delhi in Pusa Polytechnic from where I received a diploma. Here I came in contact with Shri Suresh Srivastava who was connected with BJP. He told me in detail about BJP. He took me to BJP leader Shri Arif Beg. I took a dig at him: How is he in BJP being a Muslim? We waited for him. As he heralded I came to know he was coming after namaz. I myself was not used to it at that time. I got impressed.
Shri Arif Beg made me understand that BJP is a big party working for the welfare of Hindus/Muslims and if more and more Muslims associated with it, the Hindu-Muslim unity will get strengthened. The misunderstanding and misconception about BJP in the Muslim mind is because of lack of communication and false propaganda by vested interests who, for their political selfishness, do not wish that Hindus and Muslims should be one. We have to act as a bridge between the two communities, he told me.
From there started my association with BJP and I never looked back. I myself found that there was great false propaganda against BJP. As my association with the party grew deeper and longer, my dedication and commitment to the Party went on increasing. I found BJP was the only party that was truly and honestly secular while others were just paying a lip service just for community’s votes without doing anything for it. BJP, I found, entertained no ill-will against Muslims and all my misgivings were removed. If there was no misunderstanding between the two main communities, many leaders and political parties, I realized, would go out of political business.
How did you scale up the ladder?Then I came in contact with ABVP national president Shri Raj Kumar Bhatia and Sushri Uma Bharti. I worked in JNU. I became active in BJP Yuva Morcha. On December 4, 1997 I organised a Muslim Youth sammelan in Delhi which impressed both Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Shri Lal Krishna Advani. Atalji said if Shahnawaz could enter Parliament that would be good. I was made to contest against Syed Shahabuddin from Kishanganj whose 70 percent population is Muslim. Only Shri Sushil Modi had come for my election campaign. I was defeated by this stalwart by just six thousand votes. But I did not lose heart. I stuck to the constituency and worked hard. In 1999 Lok Sabha elections I defeated Mr Taslimuddin. My first speech in Lok Sabha was on Ayodhya. Atalji blessed me with an embrace. Advaniji and Georgeji also appreciated it.
Was your work and dedication rewarded?Yes, very much. I was first made a Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs. Later, I was given independent charge of Coal. Then, I was elevated to Cabinet rank with the Textile portfolio and later given the charge of Civil Aviation. I was made a member of the Central Election Committee in which I still continue. When Venkaiahji, Advaniji and Rajnathji became Party presidents, they made me the National Secretary. Now I have been made the President of the Minority Morcha. Rajnathji said, “It will send out a positive message and help the party reach out to minority communities”.
When some 'secular' leaders or some of your Muslim brothers call BJP 'communal', what feelings does it ignite in your mind?I only laugh at their ignorance. They are living on misconceptions and only harming the cause of the community. I can say with confidence that no party is more secular than BJP. In fact, in India we have two kinds of secularism -- honest secularism and dishonest one. BJP is practicing the honest secularism. It is a false propaganda that BJP is opposed to minorities. The so-called secular parties are responsible for the present plight and sufferings of the Muslim community. Post-Godhra riots in Gujarat are an aberration under BJP rule. There have been numerous communal riots in Gujarat under successive Congress governments. During the past seven years, not a single case of communal riots has taken place in Gujarat. If the opposition criticizes Shri Modi for other things, it should also appreciate at least this achievement of his.
We do not make distinction between majority and minority. BJP Minority Morcha Cell shows that there is a place of honour for minorities in the Party.
Did you any time feel that you are a misfit in BJP?No. Never. I did never feel any time that I am being discriminated against being a Muslim. In spite of my being quite young, I have always received place of honour and invited to every important party meeting, chintan bhaithaks in Goa and Mumbai.
What does religion mean to you?For me rashtra dharma is supreme. Pitri dharma and matri dharma also come in the same category. Whether somebody recites his namaz or worships a god; it is a matter personal to him.
.
Crores of Muslims because of their love for the motherland decided to stay put in India after Partition and could not be lured into shifting to Pakistan just because of their religious affinity. Do you think they have assimilated themselves into the national mainstream?
Crores of Muslims because of their patriotism and love for India continued to live in their motherland despite partition of the country on communal lines. Those who accepted partition migrated to Pakistan. But our ancestors decided to stick to their soil. They preferred to throw their lot with their Hindu brethren than with others. That is why today we have a galaxy of Muslims who have brought laurels to the country -- Capt. Abdul Hamid, Capt. Hanifuddin, Sania Mirza, Zahir Khan, Irfan Khan, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and many others.
How safe, in your view, are minorities in India, particularly in NDA or BJP-ruled States?Minorities are safer in the BJP and NDA-ruled States than elsewhere. I want an open discussion on this issue. The condition of Muslims is very bad in the States of West Bengal and Assam while they are quite well off in Gujarat where Muslims have a higher per capita income than in other States.
How far, in your view, the abolition of Article 370 in the Constitution and Common Civil Code is going to adversely affect the interests of minorities, particularly Muslims?If Article 370 had been scrapped, there would have been no Kashmir problem today. It even discriminates between a J&K Muslim and a Muslim in the rest of the country. Today people of Jammu-Kashmir can purchase property in Patna, but the people, including Muslims, of the rest of the country cannot in J&K. If Article 370 is removed, I would wish to have a house in Gulmarg area. Mr. Omar Abdullah says I am an Indian, but he speaks a different language in his State. Article 370 should be scrapped immediately.
I stand for a Common Civil Code. Actually, it involves reforms only in marriage laws. Today Hindus and Muslims wear the same clothes; they have common food habits. India presents a picture of unity in diversity. Actually, some people are misleading the Muslims saying that if this is done, Muslims will have to don dhoti and instead of visiting a graveyard (kabristan) they will have to go to Hindu cremation grounds. This is all non-sense, unfortunate
What place do minorities enjoy in your Party?A place of respect and honour like any Hindu.
What have you so far done to dispel the misgivings about BJP among minorities?I have been assigned the duty to connect more and more minorities with the BJP. It is as difficult a matter as it is easy. It is a challenge too. Reason: Since the days of Nehru, a sustained campaign has been continuing to paint Jana Sangh and now BJP as anti-minority. This impression is now getting obliterated. We organized a Muslim Yuva Sammelan in 1997. Advaniji’s speech was very much appreciated there. We wish to turn the injustice that is being perpetrated against Muslims since the days of Congress into justice. Recently, we organized a rally at Kota (Rajasthan) where 20,000 Muslims participated. Morcha organized rallies against terrorism all over the country. Indo-US Deal is an attempt to enslave India. It is against Indians whether they are Hindus, Muslims or others.
Terrorism is a great threat to the country. This must be curbed at all costs. On this account, Muslims of the country, as a whole, should not be seen as suspects. They love the country and are patriots.
What should the majority and minority communities do to obliterate the distinction between the two to make India acquire one identity of Indians and Indians alone?In the Muslim Yuva Sammelan we passed a resolution that cow-slaughter should be banned. Media ignored it. Darrul Uloom has also demanded its ban. Muslims need to come forward on this issue. Ram Mandir issue too should be solved amicably through understanding between the two communities.
We want that Afzal Guru should be hanged as per the verdict of the Supreme Court. The only problem is that we look at him as a terrorist and Congress-Lalu-Mulayam look at him as a Muslim. They look at terrorism through the prism of religion. It is the Congress and its friends who have put a question mark on the patriotism of Muslims. POTA should be revived. Section 302 IPC too is misused; should it also be abolished?
To what extent has the rise of terrorism, particularly the cross-border terrorism, impacted the life of Muslims in India?I wish to make it clear that Pakistan is the enemy of Indian Muslims. Muslims in India are thriving unhindered. They have made the country proud with having Presidents, Chief Justices, Vice-Presidents, Governors, and made their name in every sphere including cricket and films. This Pakistan cannot digest. That is why it is conspiring against India. It is Pakistan and not Hindus who are enemies of Muslims. ISI is the mother of all troubles. If Pakistan had not been created, Hindus and Muslims would have progressed shoulder to shoulder. Although I accept the reality of Pakistan, yet as an Indian I stand for the concept of Akhand Bharat. If the Berlin wall can fall leading to unification of East and West Germany, India and Pakistan can also be one day united into one country.
What are the main reasons for the backwardness of the Muslim community, particularly women?Congress which ruled over the country for about 50 years since independence is responsible for all the ills and problems facing the minorities, particularly Muslims. They have not allowed Muslims to join the national mainstream just to exploit them for votes.
How much weightage would you give to the fatwas of Deoband?Day-today fatwas have no meaning. These should be issued only when necessary and should be for the benefit and progress of the community
What are your Minority Morcha’s immediate plans, particularly in view of the year-end elections in five State assemblies and then Lok Sabha elections in 2009? The Muslim community is angry with Congress Party for all the ills facing it. It feels cheated. Muslims are making the country proud in every field. If Israel and Philistine could be at peace; if Sushri Mayawati can have friendship with Brahmins, why can’t BJP earn the faith and confidence of Muslims when it is their real benefactor? It is not something impossible.
We will mobilize the minority community by organizing large demonstrations, rallies and conferences. Three times in the past Shri Rajnath Singh has come to our conferences. Shri Advaniji too blessed our programmes. Shri Atalji is also with us. We plan to organize a massive Muslim rally in Delhi where we expect a congregation of 2 lakh Muslims to show that Muslims in India are with BJP.
Muslims have great faith in the clean and honest image of Advaniji. Under his leadership BJP will form a government at the Centre. This government will usher in all-round prosperity and progress of the minorities. ***
