Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi in Lebanon and Syria

MIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi with Hezbollah Coordinator in Bombed Areas of Beirut City ,Lebanon 2006

HYDERABAD LOK SABHA MP ASADUDDIN OWAISI IS THE FIRST INDIAN DIPLOMAT TO VISIT LEBANON AFTER THE WAR ACCORDING TO THE ETEMAAD URDU DAILY AND SYRIAN NEWS AGENCY AND ALMANAR TV . MR ASADUDDIN OWAISI IS ON A PRIVATE VISIT TO LEBANON AND SYRIA AND NOT REPRESENTING THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT OVER THERE IT IS SAID TO BE A GOODWILL VISIT AND TO SHOW SUPPORT OF INDIAN MUSLIMS IN THE WAKE OF DEATH AND MASSIVE DESTRUCTION OVER THERE ACCORDING TO THE REPORTS MR OWAISI FLEW FROM DELHI TO DAMASCUAS CAPITAL OF SYRIA AND WAS WELCOMED THERE ON HIS ARRIVAL AT AIRPORT BY INDIAN EMBASSY STAFF AND WHILE HIS STAY IN DAMASCUS FOR 3 DAYS HE VISITED HISTORIC AND ISLAMIC HOLY SHRINES AND EVEN VISITED THE GRAND UMMAYD MOSQUE AND AFTER THAT HE WENT TO BEIRUT BY ROAD AND ON HIS STAY THERE HE ALONG WITH HEZBOLLAH MPS VISITED THE SOUTHERN PART OF BEIRUT CITY WHICH WAS THE MOST BOMBED AREA IN BEIRUT WHICH WAS REPETADELY STUCK BY ISRAELI WARPLANES AND FROM THERE HE ALONG WITH VARIOUS OTHER SOCIAL AND AID ACTVISTS HE WENT TO QANA AND VISITED THE PLACE WHERE A BUILDING WAS COLLAPSED AFTER A ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE IN WHICH 57 CIVILLANNS WERE KILLED AND MR OWAISI HAS EVEN VISITED THE PORT CITY OF TYRE AND MET ITS MAYOR MR ALI MUSHARRAF .THE CITY WHICH WAS DESERTED AT THE TIME OF WAR AND BINT JEBIL AN AREA IN SOUTHERN LEBANON WHICH WAS THE MAIN BATTLEFRONT BETWEEN HEZBOLLAH FIGHTERS AND ISRAELI ARMY AND IS SAID THAT THE WHOLE VILLAGES IN THAT AREA HAVE BEEN DEVASTED BY THE FIGHTING WHICH LASTED FOR ABOUT 34 DAYS AND ON HIS VISIT TO BEIRUT THE HYDERABAD MP GAVE AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW TO THE HEZBOLLAH RUN TV AL MANAR AND SAID THAT HE HAS COME TO LEBANON TO SHOW HIS SOLIDARTY WITH THE LEBANESE PEOPLE AND HE ALSO SAID THAT THE NDIAN GOVT HAS ANNOUNCED A AID WORTH 10 MILLION DOLLARS TO THE LEBANESE PEOPLE FOR HUMANITIRAN ASSISTANCE AND HOW THE INDIAN PARLIAMENT HAS PASSED A RESOULTION CONDMENNING THE WAR IN LEBANON. HE MET WITH MANY CIVILLANS AND OLD AGE WOMEN WHOSE SONS WERE KILLED WHILE FIGHTING THE ISRAELI ARMY MR OWAISI WILL STAY IN LEBANON AND MEET LEBABNESE POLITICAL LEADERS AND EVEN WILL VISIT INDIAN EMBASSY IN BEIRUT AND MEET INDIAN EMBASSY STAFF AND AMBASSADOR .THERE ARE SOME REPORTS SUGGEST THAT HE MET HEZBOLLAH SOUTHERN COMMANDER HASAN HUBULLAH AND HEZBOLLAH CHAIRMAN FOR ECONOMIC AND RESARCH DEVELOPMENT DR ALI FAYYAD IN AN UNDISCLOSED SECRET LOCATIONS . HE CRITCIZED THE ISRAELI AGGRESSION AND SAID WHAT ISRAEL HAS DONE BY KILLING INNOCENT CIVILLANS AND DAMAGING LEBANONS INFRASTRUCTURE IS A ACT OF STATE TERRORISM.

AKBARUDDIN OWAISI DANISH CARTOONS MEMAROUNDAM

Akbaruddin owaisi Mim floor leader walking out of the state assembly
Text of Resolution presented by the Majlis ittehadul Muslimeen in Andhra Pradesh Assembly which was unamounisly approved by all parties . Condemning the publication of cartoons on Prophet Mohammed pbuh Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten published highly provocative cartoons on the Holy Prophet Mohammed on September 30, 2005. As the controversy grew, these cartoons have been reprinted in newspapers in 40 other countries, mostly European nations. .The publication and re-publication of the culturally insensitive, insulting and blasphemous cartoons has led to unrest among the Muslim community around the world, resulting in violence, arrests, deaths in police firings, inter- country tensions and debate about the scope of free ‘ speech versus religiousbeliefs. -The Muslim brethren consider that the cartoons are not only derogatory but also blasphemous since any depiction of the Almighty God and the Holy Prophet Mohammed pbuh in any manner is expressly prohibited in • Islam. The publication of these cartoons is an affront not only to Muslims but also to believers of all other faiths, including the Christian and Hindu communities.This House strongly condemn the publication of these cartoons by the Danish newspaper and later their republication in various other countries Such blasphemous acts against any religion cannot be condoned. .While appreciating the fact that India was the first to react to the issue in October last year when the caricatures were first. published, this House implores the Government of India to once again take a serious note of the outrageous episode and to convey strong condemnation of the same to Denmark as well as other countries. where the media has re-published the blasphemous cartoons, thereby further inflaming the passions.Instead of resorting to publication of material or sketches which tend to hurt the religious sensibilities of people or have the potential to trigger large-sc violence, the media would do well to function with due diligence, prudence and in accordance with social conscience to see that Denmark-type incidents do not reoccur.

MiM Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi Speech In Assembly

MiM Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi addressing a Public Meeting in Hyderabad.


The Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen on Tuesday took the Congress government to task for its alleged failure to control kidnappings and trafficking of young girls in theState, particularly Hyderabad. Armed with statistics MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi said Hyderabad city alone records seven cases of missing youths, including five girls, every day. As many as five children are kidnapped every day on an average. The MIM leader said 1,118 cases of kidnap and missing of children were registered in Hyderabad during 2004 and of this 353 cases were registered within Cyberabad police limits. In 2005, 511 cases of kidnap and missing of children were recorded.
With regard to missing of youths, particularly girls, Mr Owaisi said 3476 such cases were registered during 2005. Of these only 1714 cases were traced. About 80 per cent of all missing persons are young girls who are kidnapped by professional human trafficking gangs. “There is a heavy demand for Andhra girls in other States. The kidnapped girls are sold in brothels outside the State. The CID has reported the existence of as many as 32 such gangs in the State. Andhra Pradesh has now become number one State in the country in terms of missing children,” the MIM leader pointed out.
Answering supplementary during the Question Hour, Home minister K. Jana Reddy said the AP High Court had observed the man missing cases are not cognisable offences and police need not register them. A note in the general register will suffice. However, as a social obligation police are tracing the missing persons.
With regard to missing of youths, particularly girls, Mr Owaisi said 3476 such cases were registered during 2005. Of these only 1714 cases were traced. About 80 per cent of all missing persons are young girls who are kidnapped by professional human trafficking gangs. “There is a heavy demand for Andhra girls in other States. The kidnapped girls are sold in brothels outside the State. The CID has reported the existence of as many as 32 such gangs in the State. Andhra Pradesh has now become number one State in the country in terms of missing children,” the MIM leader pointed out.
Answering supplementary during the Question Hour, Home minister K. Jana Reddy said the AP High Court had observed the man missing cases are not cognisable offences and police need not register them. A note in the general register will suffice. However, as a social obligation police are tracing the missing persons.

Masjid demolition in Andhra Pradesh protest By Majlis

MiM President Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi meeting Religious Scholars .
Govt under MIM fire on shrine demolition[ 18 Apr, 2005 ]
HYDERABAD: A day after officials tried to implement the government's initiative for free roads by trying to demolish a shrine at Patancheru, the state government began a damage-control exercise on Sunday. Not satisfied with the rebuilding of a compound wall that was demolished on Saturday, a group of Muslim religious and political leaders led by MIM supremo Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi met chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy at his office on Sunday evening, and registered their strong protest over the demolition. After meeting the CM for about half an hour, the delegation told the media that Rajasekhara Reddy had assured them that no religious structure would be displaced without taking local religious leaders into confidence. Owaisi Sr said the chief minister had also agreed to conduct an inquiry into Saturday's incident. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said the delegation also demanded the suspension of the Medak joint collector for leading the demolition drive. The government has promised to rebuild the shrine with the Wakf Board funds The compound wall was restored by Sunday evening. Asaduddin Owaisi said his party would not allow places of worship to be demolished in the name of development. "We've never committed to the administration that we would cooperate in shifting mosques," he said. MCH additional commissioner M V Satyanarayana said the corporation would not touch any religious structure without the consent of the local people and religious leaders. "We'll provide money and alternate sites to groups coming forward to shift the structures," he said.

MAJLIS ITTEHADUL MUSLIMEEN IN ANDHRA PRADESH

MiM Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi addressing a MiM held Public Meeting in Hyderabad
Majlis looks beyond Hyderabad

HYDERABAD, FEB. 10. The Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) has decided to expand its base and is planning to contest the coming elections from other parts of the State as well.
The party, which is largely confined to the State capital, has set its sights high this time and is preparing to make a foray into Telangana and Rayalassema regions.
The party is unwilling to name the constituencies from where it would like to contest outside the city till the election schedule is announced.
However, in respect of Hyderabad, it has already made its decision.
Besides its existing four seats, the party plans to try its electoral fortune from Asifnagar and Himayatnagar Assembly segments. For the latter, the Majlis has decided to field a BC candidate in view of the large BC population there.
The party president and former MP, Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, and his two sons have already set their electoral juggernauts rolling.
By way of testing the waters, they have been visiting some of the places in Rayalaseem and Telangana regions.
"There is a groundswell of support for the Majlis, both among minorities and other weaker sections. People want us to contest from outside Hyderabad," says Asaduddin Owaisi, former MLA, upbeat from a tour of Nizamabad and Adilabad districts.
The public meetings that have been held by the Majlis leaders in Anantapur, Hindupur, Kadri and Kurnool are stated to have evoked a good response.
The crowd response has been equally good at Adilabad, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Balakonda, Armoor and Bodhan.
At some places in Telangana, a Majlis meeting is stated to have attracted bigger crowds than the one held by the minority wings of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
Under the banner of `Halat-e-Hazira' (current situation), the Majlis leaders have gone hammer and tongs against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government.
They have been trying to expose the ``false'' propaganda about ``India shining''. Mr. Owaisi ridicules the NDA Government's feel-good blitzkrieg asking: "When the grandson of the Prime Minister could be thrown out of a train, where is the feel good factor?"
The Majlis is mainly concentrating on consolidation of minority votes. It has decided against forging any tie-ups with any party - covert or overt. Defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party - that's its catchphrase.
"Where Majlis candidate is in fray vote for him and where we are not contesting vote to defeat the fascist and communal forces," Mr. Owaisi says.
He feels that the BJP-TDP will suffer electoral reverses this time. After the Gujrat riots, people have lost confidence in the combine, he says.

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

Violence in Hyderabd after Mim leader killed

Mim Leader Asaduddin Owaisi leading a Rally in violence hit area of Hyderabad
MIM leader's death sparks riots [ 7 Jun, 2003 0206hrs ]


HYDERABAD: Violence erupted in several areas in the city on Friday, a day after a local leader of the Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) died in a clash between people belonging to different communities on Thursday. With rumours doing the rounds that the inspector of the Habeebnagar police station was involved in the MIM leader Mohammed Ghouse’s death, the situation turned volatile on Friday. Shortly after the last rites of Ghouse were performed at a cemetery near the Bhoiguda Kaman, groups of young men began pelting stones in several surrounding areas including Seetharambagh, Asifnagar, Charminar and Moghalpura. forty two-wheelers were set on fire, a cars damaged and petrol poured into a wine shops near Charminar by the violent mob. The wine shop owner, however, put out the fire with the help of local Maithri committee members. At Mallepally, where the trouble began on Thursday, a mob set ablaze vehicles parked outside the local branch of the State Bank of India. Timely intervention by police stopped the mob from entering the bank. Police fired 20 rounds, many of them in the air at Mallepally and Agapura while near Habeebnagar playground they had to fire over the heads of the rioters to disperse them. No one was injured in the firing. Police had to resort to caning rioters at some other places. Central zone DCP C V Anand was reportedly attacked with stones while he was touring the sensitive areas. The three attackers were chased into a place of worship. When the DCP demanded that they come out, the youth emerged and denied the charge that they had attacked him. MIM MLAs Asaduddin Owaisi and Mumtaz Ahmed, who arrived at the spot, demanded that the youngsters be released. Even as the task force police bundled the three men into a jeep, a mim party mobs surrounded the vehicle and forced the police to free the arrested youngsters.

Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen against BJP

Majlis ittehadul Muslimeen Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi
Owaisi fights BJP plank in bastion
On a cold monsoon night in Hyderabad, the voice of Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) chief Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, the five-time MP who enjoys a considerable clout in a Muslim-dominated part of the city, booms over the loudspeakers.
``Janaab Vajpayee, you and your BJP leaders make tall claims about driving out the intruders from Kargil. Why did you allow them to enter? Is it not a failure of your intelligence department and the RAW?'' thunders Owaisi in a street-corner meeting.
Attempting to demolish the BJP plank of the Kargil victory, he dwells on the likely fallout, including the proposed new taxes and price rise. The crowd, which is thin initially, swells slowly as more people join and cheer the MIM leader whenever he makes a reference to the failures of the BJP Government.
In the background of allegations that a section of Muslims in this communally sensitive Lok Sabha constituency nurses a soft corner for Pakistan and that some political leaders have ISI links, Kargil appears to be taking thecentrestage in the elections. And the BJP and the MIM, the main parties between whom the fight is likely to polarise, are slugging it out. ``Why shouldn't we refer to Kargil? It is our biggest achievement,'' is how BJP candidate Baddam Bal Reddy reacts to any criticism.
At all his election meetings, Bal Reddy, who is supported by the ruling Telugu Desam Party, doesn't miss any chance to taunt the opposition for trying to gain political mileage out of the same issue.
No one can deny Kargil's appeal as a campaign issue. Says Harinder Yadav, who runs a finance business in Aliabad, a Hindu pocket in the old city: ``The BJP deserves the credit as it was under its effective leadership that our soldiers fought against all odds in driving the enemy away.''
But can the issue be a poll plank? ``Certainly,'' he says. ``Every government lists out its achievements and Kargil is one of the biggest victories for India. It was possible only because of the presence of a mature leader like Vajpayee,'' he adds.
Sufiyan,a bakery owner in Chandrayangutta area, disagrees: ``You know that he is your enemy and you are also aware that he will strike at the first opportunity. Why take chances at all? The opposition parties are rightly projecting the failure of the government,'' he says.
Abdul Raheem, an employee of a colour laboratory near the historic Charminar, is more rational. ``Woh din gaye jab log idhar ka khate the aur udhar ka gaate the. (The days are gone when people used to live here and praise Pakistan). No political party can take any advantage by undermining the Government's efforts in driving away the infiltrators,'' he says. However, he feels politicians should not exploit Kargil as a poll issue. For him, it was a ``mistake'' by those on the borders who failed to be alert. This was rectified by them later and the politicians had nothing to do with it.
State government employee Mujeeb says Kargil is a closed chapter and at least now the politicians should shift their attention to several other issues likebasic amenities instead of indulging in slanging matches over Kargil.
Those belonging to Yadava and Lodh communities in the Hindu pockets in the old city, like Aliabad, Gowlipura and Karwan, are all praise for the BJP for effectively handling the issue.
As Premraj, a local BJP leader of Karwan assembly segment, puts it, given the constant threat of communal violence under which the people survive in the old city, Kargil can be the one issue which can effectively consolidate the Hindu vote behind the BJP-TDP combine.
.

MUSLIMS IN INDIA

Majlis ittheadul Muslimeen Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi in Malegaon, Mahrashtra addressing local Muslim Organizations on the event of Distribution of Aid by MiM party to Victims Of Mosque Bomb Blast.
Majlis party refuses to condole Rao’s death
In an unprecedented move, a Muslim political party Tuesday refused to endorse a motion in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly condoling the death of former prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.
Members of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) walked out of the house when members of all other parties were paying tributes to Rao.
Before walking out, MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi said the community could not forgive Narasimha Rao for his "deliberate actions" which hurt the community and had provoked riots across the country in which hundreds of innocent muslims were killed and for enforcing draconian laws like Tada under which many Muslim youth were arrested and tortured.
"We cannot, or even history will not, forget the demolition of the Babri mosque which was caused due to his political inaction and his communal Mentality," he said.
Rao was the prime minister when Hindu groups brought down the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh Dec 6, 1992, triggering Hindu-Muslim violence.
MIM has five members in the 294-member house.
Later, the condolence motion was adopted with members cutting across party lines paying glowing tributes to Rao, who was also the state's chief minister.
Earlier, tabling the resolution, Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy described Rao as the architect of India's economic reforms.
The house was adjourned after paying tributes to Rao and TDP legislator Paritala Ravi, who was shot dead Jan 24. Members cutting across party lines condemned his murder.
--Indo-Asian News Service
rovoked riot

HYDERABADIS IN RIYADH

MiM Mp Asaduddin Owaisi giving a speech in Riyadh ,Saudi Arabia to NRIs
Andhra should emulate Kerala - Asaduddin Owaisi

RIYADH - Asaduddin Owaisi a Member of Parliament from Hyderabad who is on private visit to Kingdom, addressing a Press conference organized by Bazme_Ithehad, Riyadh said that he has been visiting Kingdom every year in the month of Ramadan to perform Umrah. This year it become more important, as he won the Hyderabad parliament seat and moved to central politics from the state. Riyadh is included in his tour itenary on the invitation of friends and well-wishers. His party though have a lone M.P. joined the United Progressive Alliance in the Center as it a secular alliance which promised to take up the issues of minorities in general and Muslims in particular. Under the common minimum program, National Minorities Commission has been formed to benefit the minorities. The commission will submit its proposal for regarding the reservations for Muslim, Christian and other backward minorities, Commission will also recommend all the minority institutions to get the affiliation with Central Universities.
When asked what are the measure he is taking in addressing the grievances of NRIs particularly those from Hyderabad? He replied, that the main work that has to be done for NRIs is not only for Andhra Pradesh, in fact throughout India. NRIs contribute a lot to GDP of India. Yet their children don't get admissions in professional courses. And they are treated as non-locals and institutes charge higher fees. They are holding Indian passport, why should they be discriminated. If there is a need, special provisions should be created, at end of the day whether they are from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Maharastra or UP. When government can give passport to the people living in USA, England and Europe, then why should be there is discrimination among Indians because they are living 5 or 6 years outside India.

When YaHind.Com asked about the rehabilitation for NRIs who are going back to India after the Saudization, as his constituency is a major constituency of A.P NRIs.

Asaduddin Owaisi replied, "The Government of Andhra Pradesh should emulate Kerala in the affairs of NRIs, because that is the only state which has NRK and State NRI Ministry. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister should learn from them and see what they are doing.

He said, "We are satisfied with UPA government programs in central, but the Congress led Government in Andhra Pradesh, is unable to control and change the attitude of police department towards Muslims, they are following the same policies of TDP Government. Congress Government failed to take action against the erring police official who are foisting false cases against the Muslim youth. Bureaucracy and police department is not trying to understanding that the regime has changed; it is not the same regime, which was supported by BJP.

Muslims voted out the TDP & BJP alliance, because that regime was harassing Muslim youth continuously since 1998 to 2003. They blamed state Muslim youth for Gujarat carnage and arrested few Muslim youth. Two innocent Muslims were encountered. In the TDP period, police use to harass Muslim youth every day, but now after coming into power the Congress government in the state still continuing the same harassment with Muslims. UPA government already removed POTA, but state Congress government is still using POTA against Muslims, Anees Mohiuddin who came from England after completing his MBA degree, police arrested him at the Airport Under POTA. In the central, UPA government talking about removing the POTA and in the state level still POTA is used against Muslims, this is because of some communal elements in the police department who are following the BJP policies and present government has no control on them."

Briefing about their support to Congress in the state he said, "Before state elections Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad approached our party president to support Congress in the state elections. We supported them on the condition that Muslims should get reservations based on their population percentage. Congress agreed to give 5% reservation to Muslims and they mentioned in their manifesto. After the election, verdict came in favor of Congress with support of Muslims. I personally met the CM and reminded him about their promises. And requested him to introduce a bill in the state Assembly for the reservations and it will get through as the Government has clear majority in House. But knowingly that the G.O will not stand in the court they issued a G.O in a haphazard way. We kept on saying that G.O would not stand in the court of law. Anyhow we submitted our petition in the court in favor of G.O. with support of Munsif Daily and various other organizations. Government is not serious about the issue they are slowly trying to dilute the whole issue. We have approached to Supreme Court against the verdict of High Court and waiting for the result."

When asked about his party's stand on Telengana Issue. Owaisi replied that they are following the wait and watch policy. He also mentioned that the telangana movement in 1969 ended up with the merger MLA's of Telangana with Congress. According to him TRS approach is also not clear. Telangana issue cannot be solved without the consent of Muslims.

When asked for the private banks which became bankrupt, so many NRIs lost their money, is there any plan for Darussalam Cooperative Bank to attract the NRIs to deposit money and ensure them that their money is safe.

Owaisi said, because of bankruptcy of private banks we are taking all the safety measures to ensure our customer regardless whether they are NRIs or the locals. We are taking at most care in opening new branches.

By: Syed Zia ur Rahman
YaHind News

Majlis leader Sr Owaisi's interview

MiM leader Asaduddin Owaisi with Party workers at a Dharna organized against Police Torture in Hyderabad

Muslims are still with us: Owaisi

Wednesday, 24 March , 2004, 11:15
Sultan Salauddin Owaisi, President, Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) and sitting Member of Parliament of the Hyderabad Lok Sabha, is going strong. At the age when most of the people plan retirement, he does not want to take chances, but tries to give a `fitting reply' to political opponents such as - Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Owaisi clarifies that he is going to contest from his Parliament constituency and his sons from their assembly seats in Hyderabad. He also denies his party supports the banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). Excerpts from exclusive interview with Sify.com:
Are you planning for any poll alliance?
We will not have any alliance either pre or post or even seat adjustments with any political party. We have decided to contest independently and fight for our cause.

You have been winning Hyderabad Parliament Seat a number of times. Keeping your age in mind, are you planning not to contest polls this time?
No. I am not. I am very much in poll fray from Hyderabad Parliament seat. I am not fielding my sons including Asaduddin Owaisi (Charminar MLA) from Lok Sabha. They will, as usual, contest from their assembly segments respectively.
What is your main strategy for choosing candidates for the coming polls?
I'll not see that he is new or old for politics. I will only consider their commitment and winning chances. That is our main criteria.
MIM has been maintaining low-profile as far as political campaign is concerned. What are your plans for campaign?
Except on Fridays, a huge number of people come to Darr-Ul-salam (MIM party headquarter). This is more or less like a campaign for us. We are not like TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu to organise huge shows or conventions and bring the people. We serve the people all the time that is the main reason people respect our party and our family as well.
Telugu Desam Party is planning to field candidates at some seats where MIM party is strong? What is your comment on this?
I never worried about BJP or TDP. I strongly believe that people are with us. They were with us, they are now, they will be with us, and for that matter, we are always with them. We give them food, we provide basic facilities like roads, drainage and hospitals in Old City of Hyderabad. We support people whenever they need like the recent of TRANSCO raids against local residents.
A section of people belonging to your community has found fault with you. What is your comment on this?
I feel that TDP and BJP -- both -- are communal parties. Under the cover of secularism, TDP is not different from BJP. TDP does the same things what its partner BJP is doing. They always try to mislead Muslim community in the name of votes. I want to clarify that Muslims are with us.
How far it is correct that MIM is extending support to banned organisation Laskhar-e-Toiba (LeT)?
This is wrong. This is a false propaganda being practiced by BJP and TDP. We are totally secular.
Nobody dares question our integrity. I want to clarify that the minorities, SC, ST, and Backward Communities are with MIM. Our party is run by backward class people not like BJP which caters to and gives importance to the forward cast community

Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen in Hyderabad

MiM Party flag seen on a road in Hyderabad
The communal divide cleaves Charminar country in Hyderabad
Sonia Gandhi praised Hyderabad for its communal harmony and so did United Front leaders when they held public meetings in the city to launch their election campaign in Andhra Pradesh last month. Hyderabad constituency, however, is witnessing a communal battle royale.
Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, president of the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul-Muslimeen, is contesting from the seat for the fifth time in a row. He has won the seat the last four elections, but faces a stiff challenge from his BJP rival, Baddam Bal Reddy, this time.
"The credentials of the candidates do not matter to the electorate, what matters to them is seeing the candidate of their community get elected," says Mazhar Hussain of the Deccan Development Society which undertakes developmental work in the old city area.
The communal divide became more pronounced after Owaisi started contesting elections. In 1984, he bagged 222,000 votes defeating K Prabhakar Reddy, an Independent candidate. In 1989, Owaisi defeated T Krishna Reddy of the Telugu Desam Party by a huge margin. While Owaisi got 403,000 votes, Krishna Reddy got 270,000 votes.
In 1991, Baddam Bal Reddy (BJP) gave Owaisi a scare polling 415,000 votes in 1991. Owaisi got 454,000 votes to squeeze past in the election.
Reddy, who expected to be fielded again in 1996, was disappointed when the BJP opted for its general secretary, M Venkaiah Naidu. 'Salar', as Owaisi is popularly known, trounced Naidu, despite the Muslim votes splitting on account of Mohamed Amanullah Khan an MIM rebel. While Owaisi got 321,000 votes, Naidu bagged 247,000 votes.
This time round, it was a foregone conclusion that the BJP would nominate Reddy to take on Owaisi. Even before the election was announced, Reddy was busy developing a rapport with the electorate in all the eight assembly segments in Hyderabad constituency.
While Muslim voters in Chadrayangutta, Charminar and Yakutpura assembly segments -- who can tilt the balance in anybody's favour -- are solidly behind Owaisi, Reddy is counting on the Hindu votes in Chevella, Karwan, Tandur and Vikarabad constituencies. This time, on account of the alliance with the NTR-TDP, he expects some more votes in his favour.
The Congress and TDP candidates are in the fray only nominally.
A communal divide has not always existed in the constituency. In 1952, Ahmed Mohiuddin (Congress) bagged the seat defeating Makhdoom Mohiudddin of the Progressive Democratic Front. In 1957, Vinayak Rao (Congress) got elected; in 1962, G S Melkote (Congress) defeated his nearest Independent rival V Ramachandra Rao. Melkote won the 1971 election too, defeating Badruddin Tyabji.
Mir Ahmed Ali Khan, fielded by the Janata Party, lost to Congress candidate K S Narayana in the 1977 election. Narayana repeated his win trouncing A Narendra of the Janata Party in the 1980 election.
Since 1984, Owaisi has been the leader of the city's Muslims, though he recently faced a challenge from Amanullah Khan who rebelled against his alleged autocratic functioning and nepotism.
The Majlis Bacho Tahreek which Amanullah Khan formed after he split with the MIM reduced the MIM's strength in the state assembly to just one in the 1994 assembly election. Amanullah Khan threatened to cut Owaisi down to size by contesting against him in the 1996 general election. But the electorate rebuffed him. He even lost his deposit.
Having sensed the mood of the Muslim electorate that they would not risk Owaisi losing the poll, Amanullah Khan has decided not to contest this time. Lest Bal Reddy win the election.
Though Owaisi has been elected from Hyderabad four times and the Muslim dominated assembly constituencies have sent members of the community to the assembly and the majlis remains the strongest muslim party in the city .
There are sparse civic amenities. The state government has denied funds to the Quli Qutb Shah Urban Development Authority which was formed to develop the old city. Both Hindu and Muslim leaders thrive on dividing the people on communal lines.
Unemployment, poverty, illiteracy are among the several problems that have to be tackled in the Old City. Brides continue to be available for rich Arabs to 'marry' and desert.
"It is legalised prostitution. Many poor girls fall prey to rich Arabs who come here every year to 'marry' them. Many Arabs merely use the girls to satisfy their lust and return with the promise of taking them there later. That never happens and the girls languish," Muslim social workers say.
Despite all the hue and cry about Muslim girls being sacrificed by their families, nothing has been done by the community's leaders to prevent such unfortunate events from recurring.
"During an election, these things do not matter. What matters is the community of the contestant. The contestants do not feel they are answerable to the electorate if they do not work to meet their needs," says Mohamed Farooq, who runs a school.
Despite the competition from Bal Reddy, Owaisi says he is not unduly worried. "My victory is certain," the confident sitting MP told Rediff On The NeT.
From the time he entered the poll arena, Owaisi has never tasted. In 1978 and 1983 he won election to the state assembly from the Charminar constituency by a convincing margin before moving to the national arena. Owaisi is considered to be the strongest person in Hyderabad politics as his power extends till the borders of Andhra pradesh as muslims in the state rally behind him and he is considered to be the man who can tilt the muslim votebank in Andhra pradesh to whichever party he feels like and hyderabad has witnessed his power at times of riots and bandhs in which majlis looks like to rule the city said a freelance journalist Varun Rao .
Campaign Trails

ETEMAAD URDU DAILY

The Etemaad Urdu Daily Building prior to its opening in Darrusalam, Hyderabad

Hyderabad Media's role in secular India stressed

Chief Minister, Telugu Desam Party president attend Owaisi family's Urdu daily launch function
FOR ONE AND ALL: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy and TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu with the Owaisi brothers at the launch of the new Urdu daily `Etemaad' at the Majlis party headquarters in Hyderabad on Monday.
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy has urged new Urdu daily Etemaad, which was launched here on Monday, to help build a strong and secular India.
Speaking at a function here on Monday evening after handing over the first copy to Burhanuddin Owaisi, Chief Editor, Dr. Reddy underlined the importance of media in sustaining democracy.
Earlier, the daily was launched by Hazrath Shah Agha Mohammad Dawood Saheb Qibla Abul-Ulaai, Sajjada Nasheen Dargah Hazrath Shah Mohammad Hasan Sahab Qibla in the presence of Dr. Reddy, Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu and Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, president of the AIMIM, whose family owns the daily.
Referring to the title of the daily, the Chief Minister said it would bring in a lot of confidence in "everyone of us."
Part of ethos: YSR
Urdu is spoken by a large of number of people and is part of "our ethos and culture."
Mr. Naidu said that a free press was essential for proper functioning of democracy. Print and electronic media had become its indispensable limbs. He was confident that the daily would be a "super hit and a super success."
Mr. Owaisi asserted that daily would try to remove ignorance among the people.
The Chief Editor Burhanuddin Owaisi said "Etemaad" would be independent and act as the voice of the poor.
Information Minister Mohd. Ali Shabbir also spoke.
Minorities Welfare Minister Mohd. Fareeduddin, CPI(M) floor leader N. Narasimaiah, CPI floor leader Ch. Venkata Reddy,TRS leader Nayani Narshima Reddy and Moulana Mohd. Hameeduddin Hussami Aaqil, Ameer Millat Islamia, attended the function.Owaisi family and Mr Aziz Ahmed joint Editor welcomed the guests..