RIYADH — “Indian Muslims should actively participate in politics so that they can struggle in democratic way against injustice meted by successive governments,” said barrister Asaduddin Owaisi, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Supremo, and member of Parliament. Owaisi, who was addressing a felicitation function at Ritz Carlton Riyadh, organized by Bazme Ittehad Riyadh, said that Muslim political parties are not a threat to secularism, but instead they will strengthen the secular ethos of the nation. These parties can strive to increase representation of Muslims in parliament and assembly proportionate to their population. Referring to the unnecessary reaction of political parties over the success of AIMIM in two assembly seats in Maharashtra, he said it only shows that the so-called secular parties are threatened with our success. He said: “We have to keep on struggling to safeguard our interests. It is impossible for us to forget the Gujarat carnage and we will continue our struggle to get justice for the victims.” Owaisi insisted that Indian Muslims should come forward and excel in higher education in all fields as their graph is decreasing sharply. According to Owaisi, Muslims do not have a proper representation in independent India, like Malegaon is a city with large population but it does not have even a single branch of a nationalized bank. He said: “Muslims should make proper and effective strategy to achieve their aims and objectives.” He announced that AIMIM will contest in Uttar Pradesh and will give a tough fight to the ruling party in the 2016 assembly election. Earlier, Bazme Ittehad conferred Salar E Millat award to Ahmeduddin Owaisi. Vice President Mohammed Rafeeq welcomed the guests. President Bazme Ittehad Ahmeduddin Owaisi and prominent businessman Dr. Nadeem Tarin, General Secretary Mohammed Shabaz Farooqui also addressed the gathering. Syed Moazam Ali proposed the vote of thanks. Owaisi also inaugurated Niagara Hyderabadi Restaurant in Hai al Wazarat with General Manager Mohammed Rafeeq and his brothers. Former President Bazme Ittehad Architect MAR Saleem moderated the event. President All India United Society Dr.Mohammed Ashraf Ali and President Deccan Cultural Association Abdulaziz Shamim Khan presented a bouquet and gifts to Owasi. Youth wing member Taher Bin Jaffer along with other members actively participated in the function. A large number of people from the Indian community was in attendance. The program was sponsored by Al Wafaq Al Shaheqa group and Mumtaz group of hotels and Angels. — SG
