Vast majority of Muslim MPs to vote for N-deal
Despite Opposition hopes that Muslim MPs might find it difficult to vote for the nuclear deal with an 'anti-Islamic' Bush administration, it is becoming clear that the vast majority of them will be backing the government in the confidence vote.
By TNN |
NEW DELHI: Despite Opposition hopes that Muslim MPs might find it difficult to vote for the nuclear deal with an 'anti-Islamic' Bush administration, it is becoming clear that the vast majority of them will be backing the government in the confidence vote.
Of the 37 Muslims who are currently Lok Sabha MPs, 26 are in parties that are part of the UPA or have declared their support for the government in the vote, while 11 are with anti-deal parties like the CPM, BSP, BJP or JD(U).
TOI spoke to most of them on Wednesday and found hardly any who see the issue as having anything to do with the community.
Most, on both sides of the divide, affirm that they will abide by their party's stand, those against the government dubbing the deal harmful to the country's interests and those in favour asserting that it would serve India's objectives.
Interestingly, an avowedly Muslim party like the Muslim League in Kerala is firmly in the pro-government camp and even Asaduddin Owaisi of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) seems likely to stick by the UPA, though he said, "MIM will take a decision...on July 19 after consultations with party president Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi."
ADVERTISEMENT
Also, of the two Kashmir parties, Mehbooba Mufti from the PDP has committed her support to the government, while Omar Abdullah's National Conference too appears to be veering around to throwing its weight behind the deal. There are some exceptions though. UP has the largest contingent of Muslim MPs with seven in the SP and four in the BSP. SP MP Munnawar Hasan has made it clear that he will vote against the government.
SP MP Munnawar Hasan said: "I will defy the party whip...By extending support to the deal, Mulayam has played with the sentiments of Muslims and his true face has now come to the fore." However, it's no secret that Hasan's differences with the party high command pre-date its hobnobbing with the Congress.
Courtesy: www.timesofindia.com
ADVERTISEMENT
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
