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Zameer Ahmed Khan, the JD(S) candidate for Bangalore (Central), doesn't like the term 'Muslim voters'. He says he's just helping the poor to realise their dreams. And if he's organised a mass marriage for Muslims, there's one coming up for Hindus as well
The battle in Bangalore (Central) may be touted as the Amar-Akbar-Anthony contest but JD(S) candidate Zameer Ahmed Khan says that's just the BJP playing its divisive politics.
And what of his temple-trotting and the promise of Mecca to Muslims? That's real Indian culture, he says. In an interview with MiD DAY, he also talks of his money power, his best buddy Kumaraswamy and why as just a matriculate, he's still educated enough to take on the responsibilities of an MP. Excerpts:
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Zameer Ahmed Khan | MiD DAY: How are you faring in the triangular contest involving the JD (S), BJP, and Congress?
Zameer Ahmed Khan: There is no triangular contest here. The fight is only between the JD (S) and BJP. Congress is far behind.
But the contest is being described as a fight between Amar Akbar Anthony given the
three major religions the three parties are representing...
This is the BJP's ploy and it indicates their divisive politics. It is true that I am a Muslim; BJP's P C Mohan is a Hindu and Congress' Sangliana is a Christian, but that does not mean the elections are being fought on religious lines. BJP thinks highlighting the religion factor could benefit them but voters will teach them a lesson.
But you are going around temples and performing poojas and homas there. Are they not gimmicks?
No, they are not. I have many Hindu friends and I used to participate in all their rituals. I even go to churches it is not new for me.
You performed a homa before filing your nomination. Was that Deve Gowda's influence?
Deve Gowda is a God-fearing man and I respect his religiousness. But he never imposes his sentiments on others. He is an icon of secularism. I am proud to be part of his party.
Have any of your community members objected to your temple visits?
No. In fact, they accompany me on these visits. Hindus go to mosques with kids to get the maulvi's blessings. All flock together to celebrate Christmas. This is our real culture. People who are dividing society on the basis of caste and religion, are doing it for cheap gains. People must teach them a lesson in these elections.
You had organised a mass marriage for Muslim couples and had sent them on a free honeymoon. You are now promising Muslim voters a free trip to Mecca. Are you not cashing in on their poverty and religious sentiments?
First up, don't call them Muslim voters because I have never indulged in vote-bank politics. They are poor and I am helping them to realise their dreams. The mass marriage programme will not stop at Muslim couples as I have planned to organise one for Hindus also. I cannot do it now because of the code of conduct. You will see it after the polls.
You had stated that you wouldn't enter the fray if Jaffer Sharief contested from Bangalore (Central) on a Congress ticket. He has now moved to Bangalore (North) but are you still soft-peddling the Congress?
No, never. We had taken that decision out of respect for Jaffer Sharief. He is a veteran leader and we wanted to support him to keep communal forces at bay. However, Congress decided to field him from Bangalore (North) to suit its needs, and now the fight is realistic. Some are trying to hint that JD(S) has a tacit understanding with Congress, which is not true. We are fighting for a non-BJP and non-Congress government at the centre.
You are a sitting MLA. Why did you choose to contest for Parliamentary polls?
It is the high command's decision. As a disciplined party worker, I am following the orders.
You are party commander Kumaraswamy's best buddy. You even gifted him with a costly watch on his birthday. What is your gift to him during the poll season?
Please don't make these things public because it is a private affair between Kumaranna and me. You know polls are not the season to give gifts.
Everyone knows that you are rich and your buddy needs money to fight elections. Are you talking about election funds?
It is a party affair. Don't club it with friendship. Nobody has asked me for money, and money is not the issue.
But, you are using your money to win the polls.
You know there is a ceiling for poll expenses and we have strictly adhered to it. Yes, you are right money and muscle power are being used in the poll battle. The BJP is doing it. We are not in a position to match the way they are pouring money and liquor on voters.
You are not even a matriculate. How can you deal with urban issues that need better education?
You are right. We need better education to be better administrators. But, education does not mean degree certificates. Education should bring a better understanding of the situation and the ability to understand and fulfill the requirements of the job. I hope I can deal better with the guidance of Gowdaji and Kumaranna.
Your party is hinting at the possibility of making Kumaraswamy prime minister. How would it feel to see your best chum at the helm?
Oh, it's not like that. It's hypothetical to discuss it at this point of time. | 
