The Maulana Ajmal Badruddin-led Assam United democratic front has announced its decision to contest all 403 seats in the 2012 Assembly elections, setting the stage for an intense battle for Muslim votes in Uttar Pradesh.

Two Muslim-dominated political outfits — Peace Party of India and Ulma council — are already in the fray, while the Jamaat-e-Islami recently launched its political arm, Welfare Party of India (WPI). This party is in the process of launching its UP unit next month. All four parties are projecting themselves not as exclusively Muslim parties but as representing all sections of society.

The AUDF emerged as the second largest party in the recent Assam Assembly elections, doubling its tally from nine to 18 seats. The success prompted AUDF to take the plunge in UP politics.

The four parties claim there is nothing new or unusual in the formation of several parties backed by Muslims. “It’s an assertion of desire of Muslims and other oppressed sections of society to have an independent political force. All four parties have a secular agenda and represent interests of all sections of society,” said Ilyas Azmi, state president of Jan Sangharsh Morcha. “That is why the WPI has joined the Morcha, and AUDF and Ulma Council are likely to join soon.”

Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/4-Muslim-backed-parties-in-fray–split-in-votes-feared/792949/

  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •