The Hindu : New Delhi News : Raza Haider to contest as CPI(M) candidate

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Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008
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Raza Haider to contest as CPI(M) candidate

Smriti Kak Ramachandran

‘To secure better living conditions for residents of unauthorised, illegal colonies in the constituency’

NEW DELHI: Days after both the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) staked claim to him as their candidate from Okhla, Raza Haider on Tuesday clarified that he was fighting the upcoming Delhi Assembly election using the CPI (M) symbol.

“I am contesting the poll as a CPI (M) candidate and I want all the Left and progressive parties who are sympathetic to the Left’s ideology to take charge and help the CPI (M) win from the Okhla constituency,” he said.

Mr. Haider, who claims his priority is to secure better living conditions for the residents of unauthorised and illegal colonies in his constituency, is equally concerned about “restoring the image of Okhla and Jamia Millia Islamia”.

“It is sad that Okhla, which was once synonymous with Jamia Millia Islamia, has taken a beating in terms of its reputation. I am a product of that university, which is considered a symbol of a recognised movement — the Khilafat movement, in the country. And as someone who grew up here, I want to restore the image of Okhla and the university,” he said.

“There are, of course, issues of water, electricity and roads, but we are looking at the larger issues at hand. There is no need to bifurcate issues based on caste and religion. If there is a ration card problem, then it is a problem for all, not for a particular community or caste,” he added.

Referring to other issues that will act as poll planks for the party, Mr. Haider said: “Okhla is a heterogeneous place; there are slums, Delhi Development Authority colonies, and unauthorised colonies. My first priority is to see that those living in unauthorised colonies are not given assurances alone. Also, for the residents’ welfare associations the party is seeking more autonomy and decentralisation of power so that issues can be resolved on the ground.”

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