ALIGARH: Before the results of 16th Lok Sabha elections were announced, the Forum for Muslim Studies and Analysis in Aligarh had written to the Election Commission demanding that the Bharatiya Janata Party be de-recognized.
The forum made the demand after Bihar BJP leader Giriraj Singh said all those opposed to Narendra Modi as Prime Minister better shift to Pakistan. Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Pravin Togadia had also made caustic comments against Muslims in the run-up to the elections, saying Muslims should not be allowed to buy property in Hindu areas.
After election results were announced on May 16, and it became clear that the BJP won a majority of its own, and would not have to depend even on its NDA allies, the Muslim forum softened its stance towards the BJP.
Fatima Zehra, member of the forum, said, “Whenever there has been a change in the regime, minorities have always benefited. This time, the change has brought Modi to power. If Muslims want to benefit from Narendra Modi, there must be a change of heart towards him.”
Jasim Mohammad, secretary of the forum, said minority centric bills got short shrift under the previous regime. “The Sachar Committee recommendations were not fully implemented. Modi exemplifies good governance. He should be able to start schemes that benefit Muslims in education and employment,” he said.
Another member of the forum, N Jamal Ansari, said, “Muslims should not fear or draw negative conclusions. During the Vajpayee regime, not only was internal peace achieved, relations with neighbouring countries improved. Modi wants cooperation. His intentions should not be doubted.”
