Senior Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) leader Najma Heptulla was here to share with Muslims minorities the party’s stand in fast changing political landscape. The seasoned leader defended party’s stand on minorities and also seemed confident about Muslim minorities support to the party in the coming lok Sabha elections despite Congress’ ‘propaganda’ and legacy of Godhara that has often come to haunt the BJP. Excerpts:
A different image about the BJP was planted in the minds of Muslim minorities. Do you see any change in the mindset this timeIJ The perception about BJP is changing and it is visible. Muslims have become more sensible. Anyone who has born after Independence and is above 60 years has seen many elections and they know what the Congress has done in last 64 years. We are talking about good governance not riots. They (Congress) are talking about riots so who is more communal, the BJP or the CongressIJ They have more riots in their share than us but are being continuously blamed for one.
Muslims complain that the party has not given enough tickets to Muslim faces in the party yet it is seeking vote from the community. How will you counter this allegationIJ Its (ticket sharing) about proportion (in the party). One must associate itself with the party and extend their support like it is being extended to the Congress. Awarding ticket depends on the wining ability of a candidate. We are a political party and we will seek vote to win. There should be problem only when we do not ask for vote. We are seeking vote on issues.
You often talk about women participation in politics. Don’t you think that we are disappointed on this front and even your party has given to very few women facesIJ This should start from grass-root level. But there is no level playing field for women in politics and it’s a fact that they can’t compete with their male counterparts in either money or muscle power. Parties weigh their option and distribute tickets on the basis of probability of wining.
Party president Rajnath Singh said that the party is ready to seek apology for wrongdoing if any. Do you think this is going to change anythingIJ
I was also present when he (Rajnath) said this. He urged Muslims to try the BJP and come to the party. If we have done anything wrong then we have no hesitation in seeking apology. Bhagalapur, Muradabad so many riots happened… has anyone ever sought apologyIJ Riots were not repeated in Gujarat and those who don secular attire are responsible for more than 100 riots. Did they ever seek apologyIJ Muslims have started trusting BJP. If a party president is saying these things then it inculcates trust in the party. Did Sonia Gandhi ever say sorry for rest of the riots that happened in Congress’ ruleIJ