New Delhi: A day after Vice-President Hamid Ansari pushed for “affirmative action” for the welfare of Muslims, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad attacked him on Tuesday for making a “political” and “rank communal” statement. The VHP claimed that the statement did not befit the dignity of his high office, and demanded an apology from Mr Ansari. It said such a demand seeks to “push Muslims into dark alleys of dissatisfaction, whose consequences will be dangerous”.
Speaking at the inauguration of the All India Majlois-e-Mushawarat Golden Jubilee in Delhi on Monday, Mr Ansari had said that “identity, security, education, empowerment and a fair share in decision-making are the key issues India’s Muslims are facing”.
He had said that the problems of exclusion and discrimination the community was confronted with have to be corrected by the state.
Ansari accused of appeasing
Vice-President Hamid Ansari had said on Monday that “identity, security, education, empowerment and a fair share in decision-making are the key issues India’s Muslims are facing”.
He had added that the problems of exclusion and discrimination the community was confronted with have to be corrected by the state.
He also cited the official objective of “sab ka sath, sab ka vikas” (with everyone, for everyone’s growth), calling it commendable and added a pre-requisite for this is an “affirmative action” to ensure a common starting point and ability in all to walk at the required pace.
He had said that exclusion and discrimination, including failure to provide security, has to be corrected by the state at the earliest.
Mr Ansari was speaking at the inauguration of the All India Majlois-e-Mushawarat Golden Jubilee in Delhi.
VHP joint general secretary Surendra Jain, however, lashed out at Mr Ansari. He claimed, “They (Muslims) have been appeased by various means over the years”.
