Former Samajwadi Party MP ST Hasan has stirred debate by advocating for reservations for Muslims under the Constitution, expressing hopes that a potential INDIA bloc government would grant such reservations.
Highlighting disparities, Hasan argued that if the Constitution can provide reservations for Hindu washermen, it should extend similar accommodations to Muslim communities. “If the Indian constitution grants reservation to the Hindu population, then why not the Muslim population? I hope that if the INDIA alliance comes to power, they will amend the constitution and give reservation rights to Muslims too,” stated Hasan.
Taking a swipe at PM Modi’s recent remarks regarding mangalsutras, Hasan accused the government of targeting Muslims, emphasizing that a significant portion of the Hindu population stands in solidarity with their Muslim counterparts. Addressing allegations labelling Azamgarh as a terrorist hub, Hasan defended the city’s reputation, asserting that accusations against individuals from the city should not tarnish its image.
Regarding his absence from contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Hasan attributed it to internal politics within the party, affirming his loyalty to the Samajwadi Party and its leader Akhilesh Yadav. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh continues to witness polling across all seven phases, with the first five phases already completed. The remaining phases are scheduled for May 25 and June 1, with vote counting set for June 4.
In the 2019 elections, the BJP secured a significant victory in the state, claiming 62 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats, while Mayawati’s BSP managed to secure 10 seats. The Congress, however, won just one seat.
In the previous 2014 elections, the BJP swept Uttar Pradesh, winning 71 seats, while the Congress only managed to secure two seats, highlighting the state’s significant electoral dynamics.