When self-proclaimed leaders of Indian Muslims push them from one to other controversy, what are they looking for? General betterment of this unfortunate group who is still trying to survive while carrying the baggage of partition, or they just want to maintain their tight grip over Muslims assuring continuity of their privileges as opposition leaders? Such leaders survive on sowing the seeds of hatred and then cultivating its results to further strengthen their position. What Asad Uddin Owaisi of Majlis-e-Ittehadul-Muslimeen is going to achieve by stroking this ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jay'(long live the Indian motherland) issue? What’s the issue with calling India as motherland? Most of us are born and live in nation states, take pride in their progress, sacrifice lives to secure them. These nation states are generally multi-cultural and multi-religious countries; there should not be any hard feelings in calling your country as motherland; why that should be in conflict in your faith?
I don’t think Owaisi wants Hindu extremists to ignore his stance — they are very much ready to respond in kind; in fact they are already responding in whatever possible violent ways. And that’s a win for Owaisi and his alike to incite more hatred against Muslims. Doesn’t he know what are the real issues Muslims facing in today’ India — lack of education, widespread poverty, economic backwardness, allegations of terrorism and communal hatred. But why should Owaisi raise his voice on real issues, otherwise he will lose his bargaining powers.
Indian Muslims need a visionary leadership, not the ones who are still pushing for further divides in the country; divides of 1947 and 1971 are good enough for the Muslims of subcontinent.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
