Advertisement

Help
You are here: Rediff Home » India » News » Photos
Search:  Rediff.com The Web
  Email  |    Discuss   |   Get latest news on your desktop

Back | More

'I never converted anyone'

April 1, 2009
There are allegations that you converted several persons into Islam during your jail term. Is it true?

I repeat, these are baseless allegations levelled by my opponents to finish me politically. Several groups, including some Muslim organisations, were behind this campaign. There was a boy called Mani who had converted to Islam while in Coimbatore central jail. It should be noted that he had converted to Islam even before I was lodged in the prison. He completed his seven year jail term and wanted to work with me at my place as he had no other place to go. He went to my house and was employed as a domestic help there. I have never been involved in any conversion activities.

So, what do you think the results will be in Kerala?

As a political activist, I have my opinion and have done proper research and studied all constituencies and the under-currents. However, I don't feel that there is any wave in UDF favour. But there can be surprise results in the elections.

What according to you is the major achievement for the PDP as a political party?

The PDP was instrumental in democratising a large number of youths from the Muslim community and from the depressed classes who were against the mainstream. After the Babri Masjid was demolished, several youths lost their faith in the democratic institutions and even in the honourable courts. This would mean that these youths would resort to terrorism and other violent means to air their feelings. The PDP as a political party was instrumental in conducting classes for these youths and to help them enter into the mainstream political life of the state. I strongly feel that but for the PDP, Kerala would have turned into another Kashmir.

Image: Madani, a skilful orator, is a big a crowd-puller.

Also see: Celebrities in the 2009 poll fray
Back | More

© 2009 Rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved.Disclaimer | Feedback