Mumbai, June 23: ST Hasan, a leader of the Samajwadi Party, has emphasized the importance of a potential alliance between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress in Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape. He responded to recent statements by Congress leader Imran Masood, the demand for a Muslim Chief Ministerial face, and posters related to Akhilesh Yadav. Hasan stated that the primary goal of opposition parties should be to defeat the BJP and protect both the nation and Uttar Pradesh. He warned against any remarks that could create rifts between the SP and Congress.
Regarding the upcoming UP Assembly elections, Hasan expressed that Congress would benefit from aligning with the Samajwadi Party. He asserted that the SP currently possesses the capability to challenge the BJP directly. While decisions on seat distribution and electoral strategies will be made by senior leaders, he stressed the importance of considering both parties’ track records, vote percentages, and organizational strength.
Hasan pointed out the need to assess the voting strength of both parties, their organizational robustness, and their past performances in previous Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. He insisted that any leader should refrain from making statements that could widen the gap between Congress and the SP. The opposition’s mission is clear: to defeat the BJP and safeguard the nation. Those making divisive comments should reflect on history and current circumstances, particularly regarding the status of Muslims in the country.
Disagreeing with Imran Masood’s claim that Akhilesh Yadav does not address Muslim issues, Dr. Hasan defended Yadav’s record. He acknowledged Masood as a good person but stated that such remarks do not suit him. Hasan highlighted that Yadav has consistently raised his voice against injustice, whether it be mob lynching, alleged fake encounters, or issues concerning minorities. He argued that if Yadav has expressed opinions on the Ram Mandir issue, it should not be a point of contention.
Dr. Hasan asserted that Yadav does not seek to appease any particular community but advocates for justice for all. He claimed that historically, the SP has been the most vocal about the dignity and employment of Muslims, more so than any other political party. He emphasized that the SP holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims and urged against actions that could create distance between the SP and Congress. Any such actions, he warned, would inadvertently benefit the BJP.
He cautioned that if an alliance between the SP and Congress does not materialize, the BJP stands to gain significantly. He claimed that the likelihood of a BJP victory would increase if the two parties do not unite, while a coalition could lead to substantial losses for the BJP. The need for opposition unity is critical, as various communities face numerous challenges that can only be addressed collectively.
In response to Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi’s call for a Muslim Chief Ministerial candidate, ST Hasan remarked that those making such demands might not realize the potential harm to the Muslim community. He noted that the community already faces several challenges, including mob lynching and alleged encounters, and emphasized the need for unity against injustice rather than divisive rhetoric. He asserted that those raising such issues might be inadvertently aiding the BJP.
Commenting on posters related to Akhilesh Yadav displayed in Lucknow and other districts, Hasan noted that the SP has been labeled in various ways over time. He stated that while the party has been referred to as the ‘Namazwadi Party’ or ‘Yadav’s Party,’ the reality is that the SP represents everyone. He highlighted that the concept of PDA (Backward, Dalit, and Minority) emerged due to the lack of justice for these groups. According to him, Akhilesh Yadav is fighting to protect the country and the Constitution, and the SP aims to safeguard the nation.
Dr. Hasan pointed out that questions are often directed solely at the SP, while other self-proclaimed secular parties should also be held accountable for the representation they offer to Muslims. He claimed that the SP has the highest number of Muslim legislators and has consistently provided political representation to Muslims. He urged that parties claiming to advocate for everyone’s development should also be questioned about their representation of Muslims. In conclusion, he stated that anyone attempting to weaken the SP or Congress would be directly or indirectly aiding the BJP.
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