SULTAN SALAHUDDIN OWAISI

Mim president Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi with N Chandrababu Naidu ex CM and TDP president
Q&A: Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi
The veteran of several battles has finally called it a day. After stalking the political arena for close to 50 years, Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, has passed on the baton to his barrister son, Asaduddin Owaisi. The Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen ch ief has set a record of sorts by winning the Hyderabad Parliamentary seat for a record six times, consecutively. Called "Salar" by his supporters, Mr. Owaisi exercises a vice-like grip over the Old City area of Hyderabad which he has nursed as his pocket borough. Amid the hustle and bustle of the poll preparations, he spoke to J.S. Ifthekhar. Excerpts :

How do you rate the NDA's chances of coming back to power?
Can't say anything for sure. But one thing is certain. It's going to be a hung Parliament again. No party will be able to get a clear majority. My reading is that on its own the BJP will get fewer seats than earlier. Its allies will also not fare well. The Congress will fare better in Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere. This again is not because of its extraordinary performance but because of the anti-incumbency factor.
What about the feel-good factor?
It is just an election gimmick. When the nephew of the Prime Minister can be thrown out of a running train where is the feel-good factor? The Tehelka scam, the petrol pump scam and the Bangaru Laxman and Judev episodes. Do you think there is still a feel good factor or India shining for that matter?
What are the options before the Muslims? Who do you think they will vote for?
It is a devil and deep blue sea situation for the Muslims. There are no clear options. They have to choose the lesser evil. Even Islam says so.
What's that?
It is [the] Congress. Where Muslim parties are not in the fray, [the] Congress is the next alternative.
Do you think the Muslim community needs a party of its own?
No two opinions about that. Unfortunately, 50 years after Independence no party which can be true representative of the community has emerged at the national level. In the initial years after Independence, the Muslims were in confusion and the Congress saw to it that the community just followed the leaders chosen by it.
Why doesn't the community come up with a leader of national stature?
There is no dearth of leaders. But sinking internal differences is most important. Efforts are now under way to have one party and one leader. You will see this happening after [the] elections.
Is the community getting adequate representation in Parliament?
Not at all. It is mere promises that every party keeps making. It is not important how many Muslim MPs are in Parliament. What matters is how effective they are in representing their community.
What are the prospects of the Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh?
Very bleak. It will get about 85 to 95 seats. At the moment the Congress-TRS alliance appears to have the upper hand. The common man is unhappy with the anti-people policies of the TDP. Chandrababu Naidu has reversed all the policies of N.T. Rama Rao. Schemes such as rice at Rs. 2 a kg and prohibition were beneficial to [the] common man.
Do you think there should be an age of retirement for politicians?
Yes. They cannot go on and on. I am hale and healthy and could have contested for another term. But I felt I should retire now. I have seen some MPs coming to Parliament on wheel chair. How can they do justice to their constituencies?
You mean the Prime Minister should also quit?
It is for him to decide. But one can't stick to power forever.
What are the prospects of your son Asadduddin retaining the Hyderabad seat held by you for so long?
Very bright. The fact that other parties had to hunt for candidates to contest against the Majlis proves it. The BJP announced the candidature of actress Vijayashanti but she developed cold feet