Farmers Movement Archive

Owaisi calls upon minorities, tirbals to unite against BJP

Bharuch/Surat: Marking his party’s foray into Gujarat politics, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi, with tribal strongman and founder of Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) Chhotu Vasava by his side, called upon all minority communities and deprived class, to unite against the ruling BJP in the state. Owaisi, who has forged alliance for the upcoming civic body polls with the BTP, said that BJP and Congress were like an uncle (mama) and nephew (bhanja). He project the AIMIM-BTP alliance as an alternative to the two parties. “People from the scheduled tribe, scheduled caste, OBC and other minorities communities of Gujarat are looking for a trustworthy political alliance that will fight for their rights. Chottu Vasava and his candidates are winning against all odds which proves their credentials,” the Hyderabad MP said while addressing a gathering in Bharuch. Hundreds of people, especially those from the minority community and tribals attend the gathering, which is billed as an important political development ahead of the civic body polls. “Congress and BJP are like mama (uncle) and bhanja (nephew). That is the reason why BJP has been ruling in Gujarat for the last 25 years. Both these parties are same and that’s is the reason why the marginalised people need a strong alternative,” Owaisi said. “I appeal to all minorities and voters from deprived sections of the society to choose vote for the AIMIM-BTP alliance who will raise their voice and protect their Constitutional rights,” he added. Invoking B R Ambedkar, Owaisi said that if people wanted liberty, freedom, equality and justice then they will have become a political power, and they can do so by choosing their own leaders, who will go to the Assembly without fearing PM Narendra Modi or the Congress. While addressing the gathering, MLA from Jhagadia Chhotu Vasava asked people to vote out this government that has violated the Constitution of the country and denied tribals their rights. “Recent declaration of Kevadia Development Authority near the Statue of Unity (in Narmada district), is one example of how the land rights of tribals was snatched by the government. In Gujarat, only Muslims, tribals and OBCs together can bring a political change in Gujarat,” said Vasava. BTP has a strong presence in Narmada and Bharuch districts. It had formed an alliance with Congress during the previous elections. BTP is also ruling party in taluka panchayats in Valia, Jhagadia and Netrang. Box: Host farmers like you treated Obama: Owaisi to PM Bharuch: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to invite protesting farmers to his a residence like he had hosted then US president Barack Obama, and repeal the new farm laws. Addressing a rally for upcoming polls to local bodies in Gujarat, the Hyderabad MP also asked the PM to be “large-hearted” and “understand pains” of the farmers, who have been protesting at borders of Delhi over the last two months demanding to scrap the agri marketing legislations. “The way the farmers are being treated is not right. It is wrong. The PM should invite the farmers to his residence like he had offered tea to (then US President) Barack Obama with his own hand (in 2015), which is fine as he was our guest. We expect the PM to invite the farmers, offer them tea and biscuits and tell them the (agri marketing) laws are being repealed, and that they should be happy,” Owaisi said.

The Times of India

2021-02-08

Surat