Kolkata: If Muslims want to solve the problems of the community and demand development, the first thing they need to do is cast their votes in the coming parliamentary elections, said Dr Syed Zafar Mahmood, President of Zakat Foundation of India and Member of Sachar committee. Dr Mahmood was speaking in a symposium on ‘Muslim Agenda (Before 2014 Elections)’ organized by Tahrik Foundation of Kolkata on December 1, at the St. Xavier’s College Auditorium. Dr Zafar Mahmood speaking in a symposium in Kolkata. Dr Mahmood said that the West Bengal CM Mamata Banarjee has no far done nothing substantial for the Muslims, except giving remuneration to the Imams and Muazzins. He alleged that rather than delivering on promises, WB government is leading a campaign in media to present them in good light. He said that MSDP funds are not utilized properly in the state and that no minority welfare schemes have been implemented properly. He pointed out that in many constituencies of the state, where Muslims are in majority, have been reserved for SCs/STs. He said that if Mamata Banerjee is really serious about minority welfare, she should work to see that SC/ST dominated seats should be reserved for them, but constituencies with Muslim majority should be made open for them. According to Dr Mahmood, increasing representation of Muslims can be a way forward for the development of the community. He pointed out that the Muslim population is about 13.8%, and hence proportionally there should be 77 MPs at least from the community. However, the real number is abysmally low at 27 in the current Parliament. Abu Talib Rahmani during the symposium. He also pointed out that while the annual budget for SC/STs are decided proportional to their populations, in contrast minority budget is negligible. He said that Muslims should tactilely choose to vote and support that party which keeps the minority’s interest as priority. Dr Mahmood, who was part of the Sachar Committee, also attacked the UPA II government for not delivering on Sachar Committee Report and Ranganath Misra Commission report, except amendments of the Central Wakf Act.
Posted on: Wed, 04 Dec 2013 15:52:49 +0000
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