Media is making a monster of MIM says former NDTV journalist who won from MIM ticket

Imtiaz Jaleel, former NDTV journalist who won from an MIM ticket talks to Vinita Deshmukh on his victory and the upsurge of MIM in Maharashtra politics.

news

By Vinita Deshmukh You have been a TV journalist with leading news channels, for over 12 years. What inspired you to enter politics? I had taken a decision to quit politics after the Lok Sabha elections, but initially my resignation was not accepted by NDTV, the channel I worked for. I was very clear that I did not want to cover the Assembly elections as I had seen the dirt and corruption during the Lok Sabha election campaign, as a TV journalist. Whether it was the BJP or the Congress, money spoke brazenly. When I used to ask some tough questions to candidates from these parties, the usual reply would be that we journalists can be easily bought so why am I trying to be an exception? That used to put me off and I realized the level to which the politicians and certain section of media had fallen to. In any case, I quit after the Lok Sabha elections out of sheer disgust and returned to Aurangabad, my home town, after 11 years, from Pune with nothing really in front of me. I never imagined at that point of time that I would ever enter politics. Then how did you get in touch with Owaisi and what made you stand on MIM ticket? I knew Mr Owasi as I had met him on several occasions. Even then politics was not really on my mind. As the Assembly elections were nearing, I noticed that most of the Muslim candidates in Central Aurangabad constituency, across party lines were not of a good social standing. Two potential candidates of NCP for example were tainted â€“ one was a seller of black tickets in theatres and the other had become filthy rich by selling stolen scrap. I was upset and kept telling my friends around that they should be standing for elections and enhancing the image of the Muslim community in Aurangabad. Until 25 years back Aurangabad had seen stalwart Muslim leaders in politics but now the quality had degraded. One day, some of my friends said, instead of asking others to stand for elections, why donâ€™t you stand? That set me thinking. I felt that the NCP and BJP brand of corrupt politics must be exposed. They have been using the Muslim community for their vote bank but they never shared the power with this community which can then have a voice in the Assembly or the Parliament. Hence, my only option was to stand on MIM ticket. But the MIM headed by Owasi is known to be communal so how could you identify with it? MIM as a communal party is a monster created by a section of the media. What appealed to me was that Owasiâ€™s focus for entire Maharashtra was to talk about development alone and not indulge in any hate speeches. I had exactly 22 days to go and was pitted against well known candidates from BJP and Shiv Sena. I won by a convincing 20,000 votes, reflecting the minds of the people of how they have been neglected and only `usedâ€™ by leading political parties and are yearning for development. I held innumerable corner meetings and two public rallies and spoke of peoplesâ€™ needs beyond just water, electricity and roads. I spoke about education and health for the common man. I am happy Iâ€™ve been elected and will work tirelessly to improve the conditions of the people, particularly the minority community. I feel there should be a fair representation of minority candidates from all communities â€“be it the Sikh or Christians besides Muslims, in the legislative assembly and Parliament in order that their needs are addressed. I am making it clear to various government authorities that I am not here for any commission or kickbacks but I am here for the welfare of people. They are surprised. What are the implications of the maiden success of MIM which won four seats in the Maharashtra Assembly elections? Like I said before, please donâ€™t make a monster of MIMâ€™s entry. MIMâ€™s objective is development for everyone. The Muslim community realizes that it has been taken for a ride. Their loyalty to big political parties has got them nowhere in terms of power and good governance. In fact, the number of Muslim candidates being elected is also on the decrease, hence representation of this community has declined. I would say MIMâ€™s victory is a result of this awareness. So, how would you be using your journalistic skills in the role of a MLA? Yes, that is going to come handy. I am going to ensure that public funds are genuinely utilized for the benefit of the people in my city.

Show us some love! Support our journalism by becoming a TNM Member - Click here.