TMC Bagged Muslim Votes But Did Nothing for Community: Owaisi
Owaisi claimed the coalition could emerge as a decisive player in government formation if the election produces a fractured mandate
Kolkata: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday alleged no welfare of the Muslims, from education to employment, under the Trinamul Congress-rule in West Bengal in his bid to woo the minority community, which has become a solid votebank of chief minister Mamata Banerjee, ahead of the Assembly Election here. He also blamed TMC behind the growth and expansion of BJP in the state.
The Hyderabad MP, who reached the city on Tuesday night, made the attack on the ruling party at the announcement of his party’s alliance with Aam Janata Unnyan Party (AJUP), a new political outfit launched by suspended TMC MLA of Bharatpur in Murshidabad Humayun Kabir, which is contesting the ensuing Assembly polls in 182 seats altogether. Mr Owaisi unveiled AJUP’s whistle symbol at the press meet.
He claimed, “Around 30% of the population in Bengal are Muslims. What is their representation in government jobs? It is only 7%! How many Muslim children are outside school? How many Muslim boys and girls are unable to complete graduation? Around five lakh OBC certificates were cancelled. Among these, many belonged to Muslims. Isn't it an issue?"
The AIMIM leader then pointed out how BJP grew from three assembly seats to 77 during the TMC-rule before underlining that his party's pact with AJUP would focus on the political leadership of the Muslims in the state. On the other hand, Mr Kabir informed that he has plans to organise 20 rallies in the state starting from Murshidabad and urged Mr Owaisi to attend them. “Our first joint rally will be held at Berhampore on April 1. The final one will be in Kolkata. Our alliance will never break. I will follow whatever decisions my elder brother (Owaisi) takes.”
