Being targeted as I am lone Muslim MLA:Imran Khedawala on BJP Minister’s remarks in Gujarat Assembly
Gandhinagar: A heated debate unfolded in the Gujarat Assembly on February 25 during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks for the Governor’s address. The controversy arose when BJP minister Jagdish Vishwakarma stated that most encroachments around religious places were carried out by “a particular community.”
Congress MLA Imran Khedawala, the lone Muslim legislator in the Gujarat Assembly, strongly objected to the remark, accusing the minister of targeting his community. Khedawala claimed that BJP MLAs often single him out whenever issues concerning the minority community arise.
Speaking about the incident, Khedawala said, “Being a minister, you cannot make such statements in the Vidhan Sabha. Gujarat has a population of 6.5 crore people, each with their own beliefs. The minister also claimed that there have been no curfews or riots in Gujarat since 2002. If that is true, why is the Disturbed Areas Act still being imposed in several regions?”
Khedawala further alleged that his microphone was turned off during the session, preventing him from officially responding. Despite this, he voiced his objections loudly. He also highlighted that Congress MLAs supported him, though their numbers were limited, with only a few present in the House at the time.
Regarding the broader political climate, Khedawala criticized what he described as "demolition politics" under the BJP government and emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence. “Every year, the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad is conducted peacefully. We do not engage in Hindu-Muslim politics. We want to talk about development,” he said.
The MLA also expressed concern about being repeatedly targeted in the Assembly. “I am the only Muslim MLA in a House of 182. Whenever there is an issue involving my community, I am pointed at as if I am the accused,” he said. He called on Muslims in Gujarat to be politically aware and vote for deserving candidates who could raise their concerns in the Assembly.
When asked about reports of Muslims shifting their political allegiance to the BJP, Khedawala dismissed such claims, arguing that those who joined the ruling party did so “under compulsion or to seek cover for illegal acts.”
The Congress is set to hold its All India Congress Committee (AICC) session in Gujarat for the first time in 64 years, with discussions underway about whether it will take place in Ahmedabad or Gandhinagar. Khedawala acknowledged that the party has struggled to regain power in the state but emphasised efforts to reconnect with voters.
“We have not been in power for 30 years, and it is natural that people have distanced themselves from us. But our supporters remain with us despite challenges,” he stated.
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Jawan found dead in CRPF camp in J-K's Shopian
Srinagar (PTI): A CRPF jawan died inside a camp in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Wednesday.
Head constable Surinder Singh, who hails form Hyderabad, fell unconscious late Tuesday night at the Zainapora Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Shopian, the officials said.
Singh was shifted to Zainapora hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
Police has taken cognizance of the incident and started proceeding to ascertain cause of Singh's death.
