Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, President Welfare Party of India, during the weekly meet at Jamaat-e-Islami Hind headquarters on 19 September said that Bihar assembly election this time is not just like any other election but it is a water tight election and crucial for each and every stakeholder because the outcome in either way will be a turning point in political history and will have its own impact on socio-political discourse in and outside Bihar.
Dr. Ilyas said that Bihar election is crucial for the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre because it will be a test of their performance and governance and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity which is decreasing each passing day. The Bihar verdict will decide not only the fate of Bihar politically but also the fate of other States likes Uttar Pradesh, Bengal and Assam where Muslims are in sizeable numbers. The election is also crucial for all those parties banking on social justice and it is a test of their survival.
The BJP, after having lost Delhi assembly post-Lok Sabha huge success, is determined to do all to win election and tranquilise the aftermath effects of the Delhi polls. After one year rule, people’s trust in NDA has declined significantly because all those glossy promises have not been fulfilled and as a result Modi’s graph is going down gradually and one can imagine where it will lead to by the end of the five-year term. After majority in the Lok Sabha, BJP is trying to maximise its strength in the Rajya Sabha and for this the upcoming elections are very important for them.
Bihar election is important for all, but most important for Muslims also in many ways. It would be a litmus test of their political maturity and their political strength in terms of votes. No other community or caste will have any problem if India moves with the Hindutva agenda. It is only the Muslim community that will suffer the most because all their rights will be ceased. If Muslims this time fail to vote in a responsible manner to display their political maturity then in the future even the secular parties will make their strategy minus Muslims. Despite all shortcomings it is the need of the hour that Muslims should vote maturely.
Dr. Ilyas, while replying to a question, said that Muslims should introspect what they are doing towards nation building. If civil society can play significant roles in mounting pressure on the Government then why we can’t. The Muslims will have to play proactive roles and Muslim political parties must not indulge in communal politics. Muslim political parties must move forward in close coordination with the like-minded and other marginalised segments of the society.