‘Despite shortcomings, Congress is the best for Muslims’

ALIGARH: Known for his straight talk, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt was in Aligarh with the Karvan-E-Bedari on Saturday. The campaign, initiated by the Millat Bedari Muhim Committee (MBMC) of Aligarh, seeks to arrest the ‘rising tide of fascism and Hindutva’ at the behest of the BJP. Bhatt would be leading the caravan to Rampur, Bareilly and Aonla from here to improve Congress’ poll prospects.

During his brief stay in the city, he discussed why it had become necessary for him to stop the ‘march of Hindutva’. Excerpts.

Why was it important for a film director to jump into politics?

Political parties and the government influence our lives greatly. Over the decades, I have seen Indian politics taking a right turn and certain political parties misusing religion for political gains. India can survive only on secular principals. So I decided to do what I can.

Why should Muslims support the Congress?

The core ideology of the Congress is secularism. It is the only political party with a history of supporting weaker sections. Even today Congress realises that a new generation of Muslims is eager to participate in national mainstream.

OVER THE DECADES, I HAVE SEEN INDIAN POLITICS TAKING A RIGHT TURN AND CERTAIN POLITICAL PARTIES MISUSING RELIGION FOR POLITICAL GAINS

Development of infrastructure, education, employment, sanitation and gender sensitisation are important issues for Muslims, which the Congressled UPA tried to bring about and would continue to strive for.

But the Congress has failed to

keep its promises.

No doubt the Congress could not keep some of its promises, but it has already done much for the weaker sections and Muslims. The UPA government-led by the Congress initiated the process of implementing the recommendations of the Sacchar Committee. That process should be continued. I believe that despite all shortcomings the Congress is still best for Muslims.

Congress for long has been accused of Muslim appeasement. What have you to say?

If a section is lagging behind in the race of development, then it should be given some extra attention and facil- ities and that is not appeasement. The accusation is from the forces, which are trying to change the secular character of India.

But the BJP too has promised uniform development.

The BJP has released its manifesto and all the controversial issues like Ram Temple, Article 370 and Uniform Civil Code have been included. In fact the core ideology of the Sangh Parivar and the BJP, which is Hindutva, was beautifully encased in the garb of development. This has been already exposed.