One of the most prominent and vocal Muslim faces within the BJP, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has emerged from humble beginnings to reach the top rung of the party.
One of the most prominent and vocal Muslim faces within the BJP, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has emerged from humble beginnings to reach the top rung of the party. One of the key strategists for the BJP in the coming General Elections, Naqvi says, if voted to power, the party would restore security and bring prosperity. The BJP vice-president talked about poll planks, clarified stand on emotional issues and shared the party's vision for Muslims in a tete-a-tete. We call it nationalism, others who are out to malign us call it Hindutva... We have no objection, it is their understanding. We never associate Hindutva with religion. For us, it is a way of life. We don't want to make India a Hindu version of Islamic Pakistan. We follow secularism as it is defined by the Constitution of India
Excerpts:
Last time it was 'India Shining,' what would be your poll plank for the coming elections?
- Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, BJP vice-president
We will go to the electorate with two issuesu00a0security and prosperity. Terrorism, Naxalism, external aggression and anarchy are big concerns for the country. Apart from restoring the rule of law, the BJP would work for all-round prosperity of the people. We will see to it that every section of the society should get its due share.
Why did 'India Shining' boomerang?
I don't believe that we lost the election in 2004 because of the India Shining campaign. All parties try to cash in on their achievements. We also tried the same in the name of India Shining. But sometimes, somethings don't work in an election. We sought votes in the name of development while the Opposition raised emotional issues like Godhra.
But the BJP is known for raising emotional issues too.
It's very unfortunate for us that other parties malign the BJP in the name of raising emotional issues. It is not true. Just look at Gujarat where we have fought successive elections in the name of development. We don't seek votes on emotional grounds.
What about issues like Ram Mandir, Rath Yatra?
Ram Mandir has been an issue for the BJP. We want to solve the problem through dialogue or accept whatever the court decides. During the NDA rule, under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee we had set up a Ram Mandir cell at the PMO. But when the UPA came to power, the cell was closed hampering any chances of a dialogue over the issue. In fact, it is the Congress that depends on emotional issues. It was the Congress, which opened the Babri Masjid for prayers.
Vajpayee was the secular face of BJP. But now you have no such leader.
There is no alternative to Vajpayeeji. He was the most acceptable face in the era of coalition politics. There are no comparisons. We are fortunate that he is with us. We will move forward with his blessings under the leadership of Advaniji, who happens to be the natural alternative to Vajpayeeji.
Hindutva is the BJP's favourite issue. Do you feel secular parties will support you?
For BJP, nationalism is the issue. We never made Hindutva an issue. If someone calls it Hindutva or whatever, it is for them to understand it that way. We have no objection. We never associate Hindutva with religion. We are not in favour of making India another version of Islamic Pakistan. We follow the concept of secularism as defined by the Constitution.
What about Moditva?
We have never talked about Moditva. We always talk about nationalism. The media coins such terms. Tomorrow somebody may come up with 'Advanitva'.
What is your party doing to be more acceptable to the Muslim voters?
Election depends on perception. The Muslims of the country have realised that the BJP won't harm them. Ever since the UPA has come to power the Muslims are being labelled as terrorists resulting in more backwardness and poverty among the community. We will try to remove that label. We will ensure anybody sporting a beard and a skullcap must not be seen as a by-product of the Bin Laden factory.
Do you think you will be able to forge a secular coalition post polls?
The myth that the BJP is untouchable no more exists. If voted to power, the BJP-led NDA will ensure equality and security to all minority communities.
Why should the youth vote for BJP?
We have come up with a blueprint for education, employment and overall socio-economic development. We are trying to reach out to the people with our programmes.
Blogs are becoming popular to influence the young voter. Do you also plan to start a blog?
India is not America. The political ground reality here is very different from other countries. So, everything will be done as per requirement.
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