Ayodhya

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Muqtar Abbas Naqvi is a wonderful example of a role model for IM. Not only is he sophisticated and articulate but he is a nationalist to the core (somebody who would be called a jingo in some quarters). He has been derisively called a 'sarkari muslim by at least one IM in another forum. It appears if you are a nationalist you are automatically suspect as a 'sarkari muslim'.It is the same situation with the President.He has been denied his membership in the Muslim faith by Rafeeq Zakaria , among the reasons - get this - he is a vegetarian.IOW he is well on his way to being dubbed a Kaffir Here are Sri Naqvi's answers in an internet chat room;



[url="http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=32374"]FIRING LINE/ MUKHTAR ABBAS NAQVI[/url]



‘Cong attitude on Godhra angered majority community’











What according to you would be an ideal solution to the Ayodhya issue? Talekana Krishnadas

We are of the view that the best course is through negotiations between both the communities or through a court verdict. Any delay in not resolving this long-pending dispute is not in the interest of the country.



After the ASI report, the claims of the majority community for building the Ram temple has gained weightage. Under the new evidence and circumstances arising out of the ASI report, it is desirable that related parties should leave aside their prejudices and narrow political gains and come with an open mind for negotiations, which can will help in resolving the dispute in one hour.

Another Sir Syed is needed to convince Indian Muslims that politics is not going to benefit them at all, that politics will only divert their attention from the real educational and economic problems... Prof Mukhtar Ali Naqvi

Yes, I do agree with you that the political parties, especially those parties which are called the champions of secularism, are exploiting the socio-economic and educational backwardness of the Indian Muslims in a well-planned manner to suit their political agenda. Most of the political parties are not interested in resolving the real problems of the Indian Muslims because of their narrow political gains.



The result has been that after Independence if one looks at the ratio of the Muslims in the administration, police, government jobs and representation to the constitutional system of democracy like Parliament or legislative assemblies it’s clear that the numbers have steadily declined or one can say is becoming invisible. On the other hand their population has grown many folds. Thus there is a strong need for a social and educational reform among the Muslim community.



I am of the strong belief that this cannot be a cup of tea for political parties. Yes, we do need some one like Sir Syed to start an educational revolution amongst the Muslim community of the country. But I wish to underline a word of caution towards the suspicious and anti-reform role played by the Muslim League and Congress so that the Indian Muslims are deprived of development and remain committed to their political requirements when Sir Syed started his noble revolutionary educational work.



Godhra was a heinous crime, no doubt... but on the first week of March last year, when 1000 Muslims were burnt to death in a state ruled by your party, what was going in your mind? Avinash Khare

The Godhra incident and (what happened) after that were not only heinous crimes but a blot on humanity. However, one should understand the role of the main opposition parties particularly of Congress after the Godhra happenings in the Parliament and outside Parliament. They never spoke a single word against the Godhra incident and this attitude of theirs angered the majority community of Gujarat. However, we don’t support the view and neither justify that any anger should be converted into violence.

I thought BJP would be party with a difference but it now appears you are putting the party above the country.... Venkataraman

Yes, we are a party with a difference and are proud that because of our strong nationalist ideologies and commitment towards national interests we stand out differently amongst the other political parties in the country in the current circumstances.



Why do you rake up the Ayodhya issue during elections times? Ashwin Digvi

We have never treated Ayodhya as an election issue and never want Ayodhya to be an election issue. But, unfortunately, the other political parties, due to their own political agenda during elections, rake up Ayodhya issue thus compelling BJP to give a befitting reply.



You should honestly judge the role played by the Congress Party — from opening the locks to Shilanyas and from Shilanyas to demolition and after demolition to their Prime Minister announcing from the ramparts of Red Fort about reconstruction of the mosque. Also, Rajiv Gandhi starting his election campaign from the Ayodhya by giving a slogan of ‘‘Ram Rajya’’.



Why is the BJP giving you only this ‘Muslim face’ role, while Shahnawaz Hussain enjoys Cabinet power? Varkey Thottathil

We are all party soldiers and we all perform different responsibilities assigned by the party with full dedication and commitment.



People are fed up with agendas like Ayodhya... What’s the BJP’s plan to fight terrorism? Vipul Patel

One should not relate Ayodhya to terrorism. Ayodhya is a matter of faith and terrorism is an issue of destruction of country. While the world is facing the wrath of terrorism now and particularly after 9/11 the US and EU countries have realised the danger of terrorism where as India had been facing it for over two decades.



Despite their efforts, terrorist organisations have never succeeded in making a centre in India. One can say that their nefarious designs to have a safe heaven on Indian soil has been crushed. From Parliament to Akshardham we have crushed all their challenges and given a befitting reply to the terrorist outfits and their sponsorers.



You are considered as the Muslim voice of BJP... do you think you have represented the Muslim voice in the right direction? Zamir

After Independence, people of India rejected parties like Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha since they did not want to be related to politics on the basis of Muslim or Hindu voices.



Now the need is of a nationalist voice in both the communities which can help in the over all growth of the country. Of course, my sincere and honest endeavour would always be to work towards the socio-economic and educational upliftment of the Indian Muslims. I feel that these are the real issues of the community, which can help them to join the mainstream of progress of the country.