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by TCN Friday, 22 April 2011 11:32
Lucknow: The newly formed political wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Welfare Party of India (WPI) has failed to attract much favour from various Muslim political outfits in Uttar Pradesh. The WPI formed on April 18 has announced to contest the coming assembly elections in the state and is open to alliances.
JIH, which is said to be the most organized Muslim organisation in the country, was formed as a socio-religious movement in 1941 and now after 70 years it has floated its political wing. Soon after the birth of WPI three days back, its general secretary SQR Ilyas has announced their willingness to forge alliance with various Muslim groups.
However, at the ground level the situation is quite different. Peace Party, headed by Dr Ayub and which has emerged as a major Muslim outfit in eastern region of the state, is not very keen on striking an alliance. "It has been formed just few days back. Let the party show some work on ground among the people. When they start attracting crowd and people show their willingness in accepting them then only they should talk about alliances," said Dr Ayub on Thursday. He stated that their intention may be appreciable and his party respects it but alliance is not on cards. "Political alliance is not about parties alone, it involves voters. Let them first show they have voters with them then only we can talk about alliance,' said Dr Ayub.
Another Muslim outfit Rashtriya Ulema Council (RUC), formed as a protest against involvement of Azamgarh youths in terror cases in 2008, also denied any immediate alliance with the WPI. "We raised issues which had caught the attention of people and we are getting response. It has now become a fashion to cash on that uprising. The divide and rule policy is being adopted by some and we are not going with WPI," said Maulana Amir Rashadi, the chief of RUC. He also claimed that the WPI can function as a supporter only if they accept his leadership. "The role of JIH in the elections is not justified as they favoured tactical voting. We are not for it and want to garner vote on our name," said Rashadi.
Eminent lawyer and Convenor, Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC) of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) Zafaryab Jilani in his guarded statement opined that everyone is free to do politics in the country and JIH is no exception. "At least by forming their own party they will now realise their value and position. It will also be unfair to write it off as JIH has a good network," said Jeelani.