Waris Pathan Challenges Opposition to Acknowledge AIMIM-ASP Alliances Potential

Mumbai, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : Waris Pathan, the national spokesperson for the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has taken aim at opposition leaders criticizing the AIMIM and Azad Samaj Party (ASP) alliance. Responding to comments from Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, Pathan stated that the opposition is expressing fear and anxiety regarding the new coalition. He emphasized that the primary goal of their party is to defeat the BJP and prevent it from securing a third term in Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing claims that the AIMIM-ASP alliance is a “B team” of the BJP, Pathan dismissed these accusations as false. He noted that the formation of the alliance has left some opposition leaders visibly unsettled, prompting their negative remarks. Pathan asserted that the Constitution grants equal rights to all political parties, including AIMIM, and questioned why their electoral participation should concern others.

He also challenged opposition leaders about their campaigns in Madhya Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting instances where they campaigned against AIMIM candidates in Bihar, despite not having their own candidates in the field. Pathan demanded clarity on who orchestrated such actions and for whose benefit.

Pathan described the alliance with ASP leader Chandrashekhar Azad as a historic moment, naming it the “Social Change Front.” He outlined its objectives, which include defeating the BJP, addressing unemployment, improving education, and providing justice to marginalized communities. He stressed the importance of political empowerment for those who have long been denied equal opportunities.

Criticizing the opposition for years of neglecting key issues, Pathan pointed out their silence on matters affecting mosques, madrasas, and wrongful arrests. Now that AIMIM is advocating for justice and representation, some parties seem threatened. He highlighted the coalition’s intention to present Azad as their chief ministerial candidate, challenging the Samajwadi Party to nominate a Muslim leader for the same role.

In response to Akhilesh Yadav’s remarks, Pathan suggested that there is no need for the opposition to feel stressed about the alliance. He quipped that those living in glass houses should not throw stones, asserting that the people of Uttar Pradesh will ultimately decide whom to support. He expressed confidence that the Social Change Front will receive public affection, support, and votes, leading to a significant representation in the assembly.

On the proposed special session of Parliament and the delimitation bill, Pathan called for a thorough discussion on pressing issues, including incursions from China and the NEET paper leak scandal, emphasizing the need for detailed debate in Parliament.

Addressing allegations made by Rahul Gandhi regarding phone tapping by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pathan stated that if such claims have been made, an investigation is warranted. He noted that, as of now, he has not experienced any phone tapping but would address it if it occurs in the future.

Lastly, in light of ongoing political debates surrounding Chhath Puja in Maharashtra, Pathan responded to Raj Thackeray’s accusations against the BJP for inciting discord between North Indians and Marathis. He affirmed that Chhath Puja is a significant festival for Hindus, deserving of celebration. Pathan insisted that everyone has the right to celebrate their festivals, while also advocating for equal application of the law for all communities.