The shameless politics of ‘pseudo-secularism’?

By Dr SK Pandey from Lucknow?

The extent to which our politicians can stoop for political gain is immeasurable. The ‘pseudo-secular’ leaders can host ‘roza iftar parties’ even though they have nothing to do with the ‘rozas’, they can cover up their heads with the net-cap, they can pay obeisance to the Muslim clerics, and bow to them and what not.

The other day these shameless ones made a beeline at the doorsteps of Muslim clergy in Lucknow. Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav reached Islamic Seminary Nadwatul Ulema and met its rector Maulana Rabey Hasani Nadvi who is also the president of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). SP leader Bukkar Nawab was also present during the meeting. He termed it as a courtesy call but with Lucknow going to poll on Sunday, the meeting has an obvious selfish motive.

SP leader Shivpal Singh Yadav and Arvind Singh Gope had also met Jawwad. Prior to it, Jawwad has raised the issue of Shah-e-Mardan Karabala in Jor Bagh, New Delhi while Congress leaders fell flat and accepting his demand after which Jawwad took back his call for opposing Congress.?

Already there is a clamouring for Muslim votes in Lucknow, with several senior political leaders meeting the clergy. In old city, Congress candidate from Lucknow (west) Shyam Kishore Shukla and Dr Neeraj Bora from Lucknow (North) met Maulana Saif Abbas. Later, both of them reached the residence of Imam-e-Juma Maulana Kalbe Jawwad and met him.

Earlier, on Friday night, SP leader Shivpal Singh Yadav and Arvind Singh Gope had also met Jawwad. Prior to it, Jawwad has raised the issue of Shah-e-Mardan Karabala in Jor Bagh, New Delhi while Congress leaders fell flat and accepting his demand after which Jawwad took back his call for opposing Congress.

SP leaders including Shivpal Yadav and state spokesperson Rajendra Choudhary visited Dada Miyan ki Dargah in Mall Avenue. Emerging from the shrine, Shivpal stated that they had come for seeking blessings of Dada Miyan and pray for the victory of their party. The SP leaders also participated in annual Urs at the dargah.