Congress candidate from Karimganj, Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury, in a tête-à-tête with GPlus explains why he is confident of winning the election, and why people would vote for him. He also talks about the Barak Valley state demand.
Is it true that you have decided to take the case of IIT Guwahati student having alleged link to ISIS. Don’t you think it is a bad idea during elections?
I just cannot support this. Being a student of law, a citizen of India, nobody should support anything that goes against the integrity of the country. And if anything, we should all condemn this type of activity. No. I do not know who he is. I have never even contacted him. In this case, I do not know anyone of his relation. Neither has anyone contacted me. There is no question of defending him.
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What are the main factors which will help you win in Karimganj?
Earlier, it was a reserved seat. And the people who were elected did not raise anything about the development. So, many issues are there, industries and other things, communication issues, and many more. Nobody has raised anything. For the last 5-6 yeas the person who was here, did not raise anything. Not a single point has he raised about the development of the state. So this is the main resolve. My only concern is I want to see if development actually takes place. And the Bengalis, Hindus and Muslims, they are all citizens. So, I want to see if the problem is solved once and for all.
How confident are you and what is the scenario in Barak valley? How many seats are there in Barak Valley for Congress?
In Barak Valley, in total there are two seats. One is Karimganj and the other is Silchar. For Karimganj, I am contesting. I am not so sure about Silchar. In Karimganj, support is there from all sections of people. And I am confident that I am going to win the elections.
In Assam, how many seats will the Congress get?
I am not an astrologer. I am confined to Karimganj. But, I hope that the Congress party will do very well this time.
Do you support the demand for Barak Valley as a separate state?
No, I do not support, but I want to address the point we have reached. If their points are addressed properly, I am sure that they will not demand a separate state. Personally, I don’t support it but the issues they have raised have got some sense in them.
What is the impact of delimitation in Karimganj?
The population has increased in Barak Valley, but unfortunately there are only two seats. It ought to have been increased at least by one, but it has decreased due to the MP. I think if I get elected I will demand more seats for Barak Valley. Another seat should be added. I am a candidate and people are supporting from various sections and backgrounds. I am not dependent on a particular community or section of the people. Even some BJP members are supporting. I am confident I will get support from everyone. Delimitation has no impact on my constituency.
Do you think the AICC is lagging behind in sending star campaigners for Assam candidates? Or do you think that there is no need?
They are having their own limitations. All over India elections are going on. In fact, All India President (Kharge) is coming to Karimganj on April 22. So, I think that is enough.
Are people of Karimganj supporting CAA?
You see CAA problem is different. The way they have got it is because they have misguided the people. First of all it’s on communal lines. Politically they are doing some sort of cheating. If a person applies for CAA, he is declared as a Bangladeshi and might not get citizenship. I feel there should be another type of law that can apply to all who are victims of riots, or victims of war, so that they are welcomed and will be given protection. That type of law should be brought.
Are people of Karimganj supporting or not supporting it?
I find no impact here in Karimganj. Because Karimganj has different issues like communication problems, industry problems, etc. Nobody has raised this question.
Why is BJP silent on NRC?
BJP is not silent. BJP is trying to see that the NRC which has been made, they want it to get more out of it. They know that the Muslims are not at all Bangladeshis here. They want that 80 lakh, 50 or 60 lakh people should be termed as Bangladeshis. That is their intention, and once they find that their number is very less, like hardly 4-5 lakh, they do not accept it. That is the case. Had there been 20-30 lakh Muslims they would have accepted it.
As Karimganj borders Bangladesh, is infiltration not an issue in Karimganj anymore?
Not at all. No infiltration. It is not an issue. Criminals may come. But it is not infiltration.
