Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) State president Syed Hyderali Shihab Thangal sees the Lok Sabha elections as an occasion for all to unite against fascism. Excerpts from an interview:
Q : You seem to be confident about your party’s and the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) chances in the elections. What makes you so confident?
A : We have prepared for this election well in advance, perhaps much ahead of other parties. We are so well equipped that we can go to the polls any day — even tomorrow. Never before did we have such confidence and faith in the voters of Malappuram and Ponnani.
Q : What lessons did you learn from the past electoral experience, especially the 2004 Manjeri debacle?
A : We have learnt many lessons. We have been focusing on several areas of services and development. We have done well in areas like industry, IT, education, public works and local governance. We started several colleges. The good work, including the Chief Minister's mass contact programme, will certainly reflect in the ballot.
Q : What prospects do you see for the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) to return to power?
A : We must bring the Congress-led UPA to power at the Centre. The youth and the elders alike are working together to keep the fascist forces away. The fight against fascist forces led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the need of the hour.
Q : How comfortable are UDF candidates in Kerala?
A : The Congress has nominated very strong candidates. Wherever we go, we can see enthusiastic response from the people. You can measure how comfortable the IUML candidates are in Malappuram and Ponnani. The UDF candidates will register an impressive victory this time.
Q : What is it that you are raising when you approach the voters this time?
A : It is time to unite against fascism, both political and communal. Several humanitarian work we took up, especially the Baithurrahma housing project for the poor, have endeared us to the people. We are a model for the entire country.
