MIM to improve its tally

Akbaruddin Owaisi

: MIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi does not think the minorities are scared of BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi. “The community has seen many communal riots,” he remarks, adding that the Majlis is the only party which has the guts to take on the Sangh Parivar. In an interview to

The Hindu , Mr. Akbaruddin says the Majlis leaders are being stopped from visiting Maharastra, Uttar Pradesh and other places for fear that they would awaken the people’s conscience and bring about a revolution. But in the coming years the party would definitely succeed in getting its candidates elected from these States, he points out. He is confident of the Majlis putting up a good performance in the coming elections and increasing its tally in the Assembly. Mr. Owaisi, who is seeking re-election from the Chandrayangutta constituency for the fourth term, feels he has no competition here. The Majlis leader, who suffered a murderous attack in May 2011, says he can never repay the people who stood by and prayed for his recovery. Excerpts from the interview:

What work you have done in your constituency?

No public representative can match my track record. Every MLA spends from his allotted funds. But I have spent Rs. 25 crore from my own pocket during the last 15 years in Chandrayangutta. I have concentrated on improving health and educational facilities here besides getting other amenities. Today my constituency is the educational hub.

What you propose to do if you get elected again?

My priority will be educational empowerment of women.

How do you see your party faring in the coming elections?

Majlis’ prospects are very bright. Inshallah we will not only retain the existing seats but increase our tally beyond anybody’s expectations.

How do you see the Majlis position in next five years?

We will be a force to reckon with in other States too. Majlis will definitely get its candidates elected in Maharashtra, Karnataka and UP in the coming years. Why do you think the authorities are stopping the Majlis leaders from visiting Maharashtra, Muzzafarnagar, UP and other places. They know we are going to awaken the conscience of people and bring about a revolution.

Why are you so harsh in your speeches?

I may sound harsh but I am not so in my deeds unlike the BJP leaders. If you want me to shut my mouth, then stop treating me (meaning Muslims) as second class citizen.

What you have to say about the Modiphobia that has seized the minorities?

No, we are not scared of him. The community has seen many communal riots in the past. Majlis is the only party which takes the Sangh Parivar head on and this is why our voice is sought to be silenced.

What work you have done in your constituency?

No public representative can match my track record. Every MLA spends from his allotted funds. But I have spent Rs. 25 crore from my own pocket during the last 15 years in Chandrayangutta. I have concentrated on improving health and educational facilities here besides getting other amenities. Today my constituency is the educational hub.

What you propose to do if you get elected again?

My priority will be educational empowerment of women.

How do you see your party faring in the coming elections?

Majlis’ prospects are very bright. Inshallah we will not only retain the existing seats but increase our tally beyond anybody’s expectations.

How do you see the Majlis position in next five years?

We will be a force to reckon with in other States too. Majlis will definitely get its candidates elected in Maharashtra, Karnataka and UP in the coming years. Why do you think the authorities are stopping the Majlis leaders from visiting Maharashtra, Muzzafarnagar, UP and other places. They know we are going to awaken the conscience of people and bring about a revolution.

Why are you so harsh in your speeches?

I may sound harsh but I am not so in my deeds unlike the BJP leaders. If you want me to shut my mouth, then stop treating me (meaning Muslims) as second class citizen.

What you have to say about the Modiphobia that has seized the minorities?

No, we are not scared of him. The community has seen many communal riots in the past. Majlis is the only party which takes the Sangh Parivar head on and this is why our voice is sought to be silenced.