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From Modi's Big Critic to Biggest Fan, Zafar Sareshwala on BJP, Congress, Muslim Vote, 2024 I

Mojo Story・48 minutes read

Modi Saheb's effective governance and development initiatives in Gujarat led to a critic's transition to a supporter, emphasizing the importance of Muslim representation in politics and the need for empowerment and unity within the Muslim community. The diminishing political representation of Muslims in India is criticized, highlighting the call for establishing relevance through education and excellence in various fields to address marginalized Muslim voices in government.

Insights

  • The representation of Muslims in Indian political bodies has decreased over time, with fewer Muslim candidates fielded by major parties like the Congress party in recent elections, leading to concerns about political marginalization and the need for Muslim voices in governance.
  • A shift in perspective from criticism to support of Modi by individuals like Zafar Sareshwala highlights the impact of direct engagement with political leaders, showcasing the importance of witnessing effective governance and development initiatives firsthand in influencing personal opinions and decisions.

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Recent questions

  • How did the narrator's perception of Modi change?

    Through witnessing Modi's effective governance and development initiatives in Gujarat.

  • What was discussed during the meeting between Modi and the narrator?

    Concerns about Muslim-Hindu relations and religious site possession.

  • How did Modi assure the narrator during their meeting?

    Modi assured the narrator of justice and pledged to prevent future injustices.

  • What was the narrator's reflection on Muslim representation in politics?

    The narrator emphasized the need for Muslims to establish relevance through education and excellence.

  • What advice was given to Muslims regarding political engagement?

    Muslims were advised to establish relations with those in power and vote strategically.

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Summary

00:00

"From Critic to Advocate: Modi's Impact"

  • In 2003, Modi Saheb, then Chief Minister, displayed a strong presence at a concert, likened to Michael Jackson's impact, and shared his contact number for assistance.
  • The representation of Muslims in political bodies decreased over time, with 21 in the most recent parliament, compared to 25 and 29 in previous terms.
  • The Congress party did not field any Muslim candidates in the Lok Sabha elections, prompting a call for Muslims not to be exploited for political gains.
  • Zafar Sareshwala, once a critic of Modi, later supported him, highlighting a shift in perspective and a meeting arranged in London.
  • The aftermath of the 2002 Gujarat riots and the lack of Muslim representation in government were discussed, emphasizing the need for Muslim voices in politics.
  • Efforts to establish communication with Modi led to a meeting in London, where Modi's impressive presentation on Gujarat's development influenced the narrator's perception.
  • The decision to engage with Modi despite advice against it led to a private meeting in London, showcasing Modi's persuasive abilities and the narrator's evolving stance.
  • The narrator's journey from a critic to a supporter of Modi was influenced by witnessing Modi's effective governance and development initiatives in Gujarat.
  • The meeting with Modi in London at St. James's Court revealed Modi's compelling presentation skills and the narrator's realization of the positive impact of Modi's leadership.
  • The encounter with Modi in London marked a pivotal moment in the narrator's transition from a critic to an advocate, driven by Modi's vision and accomplishments in Gujarat.

14:52

"Modi Saheb Promises Justice and Support"

  • On 17th August 2003 at 5 pm, Modi Saheb met with the narrator at St. James Court, discussing the cancellation of a visa and the International Court of Justice.
  • Modi Saheb emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns of 5 crore Gujaratis, including the narrator, in a conversation about justice and peace in Gujarat.
  • The narrator highlighted the need for justice and fair treatment for all, regardless of religious affiliation, during a discussion with Modi Saheb.
  • Modi Saheb assured the narrator of justice and pledged to prevent similar injustices from occurring in the future.
  • The narrator expressed concerns about Muslim-Hindu relations and the possession of religious sites, prompting a promise from Modi Saheb to address these issues.
  • Modi Saheb provided his contact number to the narrator, offering assistance and support for any issues that may arise.
  • The narrator discussed the political marginalization of Muslims and the lack of representation in government, citing examples of reduced Muslim candidates in recent elections.
  • The narrator reflected on the need for Muslims to establish relevance through education and excellence in various fields, akin to the Jewish community's approach.
  • The narrator highlighted the achievements of prominent Indian Muslims across different professions, emphasizing the need for Muslims to assert their relevance in society.
  • The narrator criticized the diminishing political representation of Muslims in India, contrasting the past inclusion of Muslims in political roles with the current lack of opportunities for Muslim candidates.

29:06

Muslim Representation and Political Strategies in India

  • MLAs used to win 192 Muslim votes, with 17 and 18 members initially.
  • In the last election, two MLAs were divided, and three in the previous elections.
  • The absence of Muslim representation in Parliament is highlighted, with no Muslim Lok Sabha members from Gujarat.
  • Rubber stamp Muslim leaders like Salman Khurshid and Ghulam Nabi Azad are criticized for self-interest.
  • The lack of Muslim representation in political parties like Samajwadi, BSP, Congress, and BJP is noted.
  • Modi's outreach to the Pasmanda Muslim community is discussed, emphasizing the need for representation.
  • The diversity among Muslims in India is highlighted, with varying cultural and linguistic differences.
  • Muslims are advised to establish relations with those in power and vote strategically without publicizing their choices.
  • Flashpoint issues like Namaz in public spaces and civil court debates on Ayodhya, Gyanvapi, and Mathura are discussed.
  • Solutions for Namaz issues are proposed, emphasizing the need for designated prayer spaces and respectful conduct in mosques.

43:00

Education, religion, and unity in India.

  • India is a popular destination for foreign students, especially those from CIS countries.
  • The Indian Council of Cultural and Research (ICCR) plays a significant role in projecting India's soft power globally.
  • The issue of the Babri Masjid and Ram Mandir has been a contentious one, with legal judgments determining the outcome.
  • Suggestions have been made to resolve disputes over religious sites through out-of-court settlements.
  • Education is emphasized as a priority for the Muslim community, with a focus on proper representation and empowerment.
  • The debate over the Hijab in schools, particularly in Karnataka, has sparked differing policies and opinions.
  • Personal experiences with religious attire in schools have led to discussions and resolutions at the local level.
  • The importance of education for girls, regardless of religious beliefs, is highlighted.
  • The need for dialogue and understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims in India is stressed for communal harmony.
  • The message to the Muslim community is to avoid being used as a political tool and to focus on empowerment and unity.
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