ADILABAD: AIMIM president and Hyderabad Lok Sabha member Asaduddin Owaisi spoke to Deccan Chronicle on a wide range of topical issues, including about BRS.
He contends that the BRS should have done more in terms of development and uplift of minorities and backward communities in the last nine years.
Excerpts:
How do you view the prevailing political situation at the state and national levels?
As far as Telangana state is concerned, as a political party we believe that BRS should have done more for minorities and BCs. Overall, the state has been peaceful and has not seen communal riots, which is a good augury. At the national level, the BJP has disturbed the social fabric of the country and we have seen the unilateral handling of draconian laws like CAA, farmers’ bill, removal of Article 370 and triple talaq. They mismanaged the country’s economy, inflation is rising and so are prices of essential commodities and the unemployment rate. Farmers are fuming at the BJP.
How do you look at the Congress victory in Karnataka? Is it a fight against the divisive forces or vote for democratic forces?
There was huge corruption in the BJP government, which led to the defeat of the party. The real test for everyone would be seen in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.
Will the MIM be extending support to the BRS in Maharashtra?
No such talk has ever happened between us. The MIM has been working in Maharashtra for a long time. Apart from an MP, the MIM has over 100 corporators and many members in zilla parishad and mandal parishad. I don’t know what will happen during the parliamentary elections. Every political party has the right to expand. It is for them to decide, I can’t decide on that.
Do you think a single party will come to power or do you foresee a hung verdict in Telangana?
It is for the people of Telangana to decide which sort of government they want. Our only concern is that whichever seat we contest, the MIM candidate should win.
In the next Assembly elections, will the MIM be contesting in seats outside of Hyderabad?
It is yet to be decided as of now. A decision will be taken after consulting party leaders. I’m touring different places. Our decisions will be based on the feedback about our strengths and weaknesses from the party workers and leaders.
Are you happy with the BRS government with regard to the welfare of minorities?
Happy is a subjective term. I do not use such terms. People who are in that party use them. Any government is duty-bound to uplift all sections of the society. Funds allocated for their welfare should not be cut down. There is no single Muslim vice-chancellor and no nominated Muslim in the Telangana State Public Service Commission, which we have been demanding since long.
