Sunday, 2^nd March 2014
Jhula Maidan, Mumbai Central.

Sunday was a unique evening in all respects. The sun of political awareness rose on the Muslim population soon after sunset, as a galaxy of political heavyweights from across the political spectrum descended at Jhula Maidan to attend a grand conference on the topic ‘Desh ka vikas… Nyay aur Sadbhavna ke sath’. The agenda was to discuss the People’s Manifesto prepared by the Jamaate Islami Hind, Maharashtra. (JIH, MS)

Soon after magrib prayers, the air reverberated with the melodious recitation of a passage of the Holy Qur’an and its translation, following which, the conference was formally inaugurated by Mr. Afzal Baig, Organizer, JIH Mumbai. He stated that the meeting had been called to fulfil the responsibility of ensuring social well-being and peace during and after elections and recollected how the Jamaat has been active in this field since the past 10 years.

Mr. Aslam Gazi, sec. JIH (MS) introduced the People’s manifesto and enumerated its clauses in brief, which are based on Justice, Liberty and Equality. The entire manifesto is available on their website www.jihmaharashtra.org in multiple languages.

President of JIH (MS), Mr. Taufiq Aslam, while speaking on the ideology and activities of JIH, mentioned that despite not taking part in the upcoming elections, the Jamaat considers it its duty to make the prospective MPs realize their responsibilities towards the electorate instead of indulging in un-parliamentary behaviour and supporting profanities like Homosexuality. While appealing to the public to use their vote to keep communal and fascist forces at bay, he averred that religion should not be restricted to the masjid alone, lest society crumbles down due to its negligence on the political front.

Leading the speakers from political camp was Mr. Mayank Gandhi from AAP. He appealed to the Muslims at large and the JIH in particular to assist it in its attempt to root out corruption and bringing in all round development. He also emphasised on the need of fast track courts to solve the cases of terror accused youth within 3 months and spoke in support of the pending Communal Violence Bill.

His speech was followed by that of Mr. Prakash Ambedkar from BMM, who defined a secularist as one who pledges allegiance to the Constitution drafted by his legendary grandfather. He espoused the cause of dalits and adivasis in their fight against the corporate mining nexus, as also those Muslim youth who are languishing in jails for no crime of theirs. Muslims should be considered in the sub-plan on par with SC/ST, said he.

Substituting for Abu Asim Azmi was Mr. Abdul Qadir Chaudhari. The SP leader appreciated JIH’s efforts and noted that development should not be limited to infrastructure but should be witnessed in the field of social justice as well. He also targeted the media, accusing them of being biased towards Muslim issues and not highlighting them in their discussions. Mr. Chaudhari also proposed that MPs should be held accountable on their acts of commission and omission.

The state president of WPI, Mr. Abdul Rauf lamented that the primary reason for the deplorable condition of our country is the lack of active participation of Muslims in the political field. He roused the Muslim community by making them realize the fact that their worship holds little value if they don’t strive for social development and justice.

Adv. Yusuf Abrahani from the INC criticized the SP and AAP and blamed the media for supporting them. He suggested that a national board be formed which would include Muslim representatives from every state to review terror allegations stamped on Muslims on a case-to-case basis.

Last but not the least, Mr. Nawab Malik from the NCP adorned the lectern and spoke his heart out on the People’s Manifesto. He acknowledged the right of every citizen to a dignified life and of free higher education to every poor student. Mr. Malik sought to bring in social justice by means of the Communal Riots Bill, implementation of the Rangnath Mishra report and reservations for Muslims. He called for further deliberation on the Manifesto as a whole and the Delimitation of constituencies in particular.

In his Presidential address, Engineer Muhammad Salim, sec., JIH reiterated that man is God’s vice-regent on earth and we would be held accountable on the Day of Judgment if we fail to strive for the propagation of justice and goodwill. He said that it is high time that the people are made aware of their political rights and their right to good and accountable MPs and MLAs. He accused political parties of imposing their candidates on the electorate and reminded them that the people have now woken up and been made aware of their potential exploitation at the hands of politicians. He also pointed out that the Congress and the BJP are equally responsible for the injustice meted out to Muslims.

Er. Md. Salim then extended the vote of thanks, after which the huge audience of around 1500 dispersed as peacefully as they patiently absorbed the proceedings of this defining conference.