Achi news desk-
Congress candidate from Karimanj, Hafiz Rasheed Ahmed Chowdhury, in a ceremony with GPlus explains why he is confident of winning the elections, and why people will vote for him. He also talks about the demand of the Barak Valley state.
Is it true that you have decided to take the case of an IIT Guwahati student with alleged links to ISIS. Don’t you think this is a bad idea during an election?
I just can’t support it. Being a law student, a citizen of India, one should not support anything that goes against the integrity of the country. And if anything, we should all condemn this type of activity. No. I don’t know who he is. I didn’t even contact him. In this case, I don’t know anyone related to him. No one contacted me. No problem protecting him.
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What are the main factors that will help you win in Karimganj?
Earlier, it was a reserved seat. And the people who were chosen did not say anything about the development. So there are many issues, industries and other things, communication issues and much more. No one uploaded anything. For the last 5-6 years the person who was here, has not uploaded anything. He did not raise a single point regarding the development of the country. So this is the main decision. My only concern is that I want to see if the development actually happens. And the Bengalis, the Hindus and the Muslims, are all citizens. So, I want to see if the problem is solved once and for all.
How sure are you and what is the scenario in Emek Barak? How many seats are there in Emek Barak for Congress?
In Emek Barak, a total of two seats. One is Karimanj and the other is Silchar. For Karimganj, I am contesting. I’m not so sure about Silcher. Karimganj has support from all sections of people. And I’m sure I’m going to win the election.
In Assam, how many seats will the Congress get?
I am not an astrologer. I am fascinated by Karimganj. But, I hope the Congress party succeeds this time.
Do you support the demand for Emek Barak as a separate state?
No, I’m not advocating, but I want to address the point we’ve reached. If their points are properly addressed, I am sure they will not demand a separate state. Personally, I don’t support it, but the issues they raised have some logic to them.
What is the impact of demarcation in Karimganj?
The population in Emek Barak is growing, but unfortunately there are only two seats. It should have been increased by at least one, but it went down because of the parliament. I think that if I am elected, I will demand more mandates for Emek Barak. An additional chair must be added. I am a candidate and people support me from different sectors and backgrounds. I do not depend on the community or a certain section of the people. Even some BJP members are supportive. I am sure I will get support from everyone. Delineation has no effect on my constituency.
Do you think AICC is lagging behind in sending star campaigners for Assam candidates? Or do you think there is no need?
They have their own limitations. Elections are taking place all over India. In fact, the President of All India (Karaj) is coming to Karimganj on April 22. So I think that’s enough.
Do Karimganj people support CAA?
You see the problem with CAA is different. The way they got it is because they misled the people. First of all it is in common lines. Politically they are doing some kind of cheating. If a person applies for CAA, they are declared Bangladeshi and may not be granted citizenship. I feel that there should be another type of law that can apply to anyone affected by disorder, or victims of war, so that they are welcomed and given protection. Such a law should be brought.
Do the people of Karimganj support or not support this?
I don’t find any effect here in Karimganj. Because Karimganj has various problems like communication problems, industry problems etc. No one has raised this question.
Why is BJP silent on NRC?
BJP is not silent. BJP is trying to see that the NRC that has been created, they want it to get more out of it. They know that Muslims are not Bangladeshis here at all. They want 80 lakh, 50 or 60 lakh people to be called Bangladeshis. That is their intention, and once they find out that their number is very small, like barely 4-5 lakh, they don’t accept it. This is the case. If there were 20-30 lakh Muslims they would accept it.
Since Karimganj borders Bangladesh, is infiltration no longer a problem in Karimganj?
Not at all. No infiltration. It’s not an issue. Criminals may come. But this is not infiltration.
