Pledge to remain united for secular fabric of India
Our Correspondent / New Delhi
Leaders from different political parties including congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday to paid homage to the leader of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and former Union minister E Ahamed at a memorial meeting on first his death anniversary. The Leaders remembered the popular leader and his contributions made for the country.
On the occasion leaders of parties, including the Congress, National Conference, CPI(M), CPI and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) pledged to remain united and boldly fight against those who want to destroy the fabric of India.
Among the leaders present were Congress president Rahul Gandhi, party leaders AK Antony, Shashi Tharoor, NC patron Farooq Abdullah, CPI(M) ledaer Mohd Salim, D Raja from CPI and IUML National secretary PK Kunhali Kutty and IUML National President KM Kader Mohideen.
Remembering Ahamed affectionately, Mr Gandhi said, ”In politics, there are two types of people–self-centred ones and those who think of others. Ahamed was of the second type who transcended his personality and became an institution.”
He transcended the word ‘politician’, Mr Gandhi said, adding Ahamed became a guiding light for inspiration. The late leader was a defender of the people of Kerala and the defender of the people of India, the Congress president said.
A message was UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was read out in which she described him as a great patriot and a great negotiator of country’s interest in the Middle East.
Mr Antony said, ”Ahamed Sahib was able to project the shining part of Indian secularism. But I have my doubt, if Ahamed ji was with us now, even he would have failed to project that part now.”Dr Tharoor said ”E Ahamed reminds us everyday that the saffron and the green are both there on the Indian flag. Some people forget that.” ”The BJP and their ideologues have a far more fundamental critique of our Constitution than any of the 103 amendments we have made,” he added.
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Dr Abdullah said Ahamed was a minister of all Indians and India belongs to everyone. Quoting the theme of the programme ”Defending Democracy”– he said,” We need bold leadership in India which can take the nation great heights,” pointing out to Mr Gandhi and said ”hope your government comes”. On Kashmir, he said,” War does not give solutions but creates tragedies. Friends can change, neighbours cannot. We should forget the past and move ahead.”
CPI(M) ledaer Mohd Salim said India cannot remain democratic if it does not remain secular and vice-versa.
Mr D Raja of CPI said Ahamed was a very accessible person and Malayalis lost a guardian in his demise. Ahamed ensured the safety and the security of migrant people in Gulf countries, he said.
Ahamed was the champion of secularism and fought for people working abroad irrespective of religion or region, Mr Raja said. He that country was in a critical situation and alleged that democracy was at stake.
