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.


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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 - Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, BJP vice-president

Last time it was 'India Shining,' what would be your poll plank for the coming elections?
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.