The rise of Bhartiya Janata Party to power in Karnataka saw noted social worker and academician Prof. Mumtaz Ali Khan being appointed the Minister for Minority Affairs, Hajj and Wakf in the Karnataka cabinet headed by Mr. B.S. Yeddyurappa. Forthright in his views and frank in opinion, Dr. Khan is not the run-of-the-mill politician. He joined the Bhartiya Janata Party as a primary member in early 2004. Within a week, he was appointed the vice president of the Party. He contested Assembly election from Jayamahal constituency in Bangalore in April 2004 and lost to Roshan Baig. Having run a clean campaign without the attendant use of money, muscle power and freebies for the slum voters, he was least expected to win. He remained with the Party all the while working for softening its stance towards the minorities and persuading the minorities to join the BJP rank.
Formerly professor of rural sociology in the prestigious University of Agricultural Sciences in Bangalore, Dr. Khan has been working among Muslims and Dalits, running a number of welfare and development schemes for the widows, students and the underprivileged sections. He has authored a number of books on socio-economic issues pertaining to these sections. An activist in all senses of the word, Dr. Khan is a dynamo. His house in Ganganagar locality ever hums with activity. For a number of years, Dr. Khan contributed opinion pieces for Islamic Voice. He runs the Salamath Kannada School for Muslim children in R. T. Nagar locality of the city and edits a tiny journal called Crush and fearlessly advocates his view on matters of social concern. Maqbool Ahmed Siraj spoke to him for Islamic Voice. Excerpts:
On dilemma of being a conscientious Muslim in the BJP cabinet.
A: I am respected by all in the BJP Ministry and the party for my academic background, honesty and commitment to the poor. Mr. Yeddyurappa had sounded me about my induction into the cabinet at least one month before the elections were held. I am also minister in-charge of the Chikaballapur district. I do not worry about the core agenda of the BJP. Hindutva is all about nationalism, or what we call as rashtriyata, or wataniyat. As for the Hindutva, the Supreme Court has said that it refers to Indianness or Indian culture. Once you prove your loyalty to the nation, even RSS will trust you.
On BJP’s known positions on Uniform Civil Code, religious conversions and Article 30 etc.
A: As for Uniform Civil Code is concerned, it is to be borne in mind that the Muslim Personal law owes its origin to the Shariat Application Act 1939, which is a man made law, though of course, having elements of how Muslim civil laws have been traditionally interpreted. There is scope for progressive changes in all family laws which derive sanction from religious scriptures. Muslim countries themselves have made several modifications in Islamic family laws. Tunisia and Turkey have made major alterations. Egypt, Pakistan and Iran too have brought in changes incorporating gender sensitivity etc. Muslims in India become sensitive only because the talk of changes is being done in a plural atmosphere.
A panel of three members namely myself, Mr. Justice Rama Jois, the former governor of Jharkhand and Prof. Coutinho, former vice chancellor of Gulbarga University, has framed an Indian Family Law in which we have pleaded that the scope for second marriage should not be totally ruled out for people regardless of their religion. Similarly we have advocated progressive changes in laws pertaining to divorce.
As for anti conversion bill, Muslims need not fear. Islam does not want to convert people to its fold. Those who have genuine conviction, they are free to profess and practice whatever they believe. Only element of allurement, inducement and coercion has to be kept out.
Why you chose BJP for political association?
The Congress Party is an ocean. There is no recognition for intellectuals in that party. Janata Dal Secular is dependant on Mr. H. D. Devegowda and his son and suffers from narrow vision. I was keen to render some service to the people. There was no alternative other than the BJP. My long time friend IGP Srinivas Alva persuaded me to join the party. Later two BJP leaders Sureshkumar and Dr. Vaman Acharya visited my house and gave me an open invitation.
Any new schemes you visualize for the minorities in Karnataka?
We have brought in 100 per cent transparency in selecting the Hajj pilgrims from Karnataka. We have removed the State Hajj Committee chairman Zulfiquar Tipu after certain irregularities were detected in selection of pilgrims last year. This year’s drawing of the lot was done in Vidhana Soudha amid pin drop silence. Even Chief Minister’s nominees for Hajj have been asked to come through proper channel. The Hajj Ghar will soon come up in the Hennur Bende outskirts of the city on a 5-acre prime real estate.
The Chief Minister has enhanced the allocation for the development of minorities by 47 per cent in the budget presented on July 17. The allocation has gone up from Rs. 94 crore in 2007 budget to Rs. 144 crore in 2008. One-third of all allocations would go to women under all schemes. The Chief Minister is very positive and committed to the development of minorities. He has given me full freedom to do anything for their welfare.
The CM has mentioned the new survey of wakf properties in the State. His budget speech refers to review of the wakf land use pattern. We will review all cases of sale and lease of wakf land carried out in recent years.
BJP chief Rajnath Singh says the party will do away with 11th Plan allocations for Muslims done in pursuance of the Sachar Committee recommendations. Your comment?
I have not come across this statement. He might have been misreported in the media.