HYDERABAD: The myth of Muslim vote bank has been debunked after the Uttar Pradesh elections, says Assaduddin Owaisi, leader of All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM). The party made a debut in UP contesting on 38 seats but failed to open account in the Assembly elections.
“I congratulate the people of UP and respect their decision, but it has now become clear that the myth of a Muslim vote bank is not true,” said Owaisi while speaking to media after the poll results came out. “But one must ask”, he said, “where did the secular parties votes go? They should introspect and answer these questions.”
Criticising the Samajwadi Party Owaisi said, “SP had done no work in UP, the people were fed up, there was massive corruption and breakdown of law and order in the state.” Speaking on the zero backlash faced by BJP at the polls despite demonetisation, he said, “Demonetisation is going to hurt everyone, if not today definitely in another two to three months, the effects will be known.”
As the election results were pouring in, Bahujan Samaj Party leader and former chief minister Mayawati raised allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering. “I hope the Election Commission (EC) looks into the matter.
I have full faith that the EC will look into it,” said Owaisi.
However, the Election Commission has responded to the BSP leader’s allegations negatively, citing no merit in them.
Speaking on BJPs election promise of building the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, he said, “The temple cannot be made unless the issue is resolved by the Supreme Court”.
Responding to a question by Express on why political parties have failed to unite despite all having a common foe, Owaisi replied, “Only time will decide what kind of political formation is needed. As far as Muslim community is concerned, we are tired of being the only torch bearers of defeating BJP.”
“It’s not just the responsibility of Muslims in the country to stop BJP, it is everyone’s responsibility,”. There never was a Muslim vote bank, if there was one the social economic factor of the community would not have been so bad, he added.