Imams increase pressure before Delhi elections, warn of protest against AAP government

As the excitement for the assembly elections in Delhi intensifies, the Imams associated with the Waqf Board have increased their pressure on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Imam wants to meet Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal regarding his demand for salary pending for 17 months. This is the third time in the last one week that Imams demonstrated outside Kejriwal’s residence. However, he has not got a chance to meet yet.

Warning of protest against AAP government

The Imams have warned that if their demands are not met soon, they will protest against the AAP government across Delhi before the elections.

• Imams’ accusation:
  • Salary has not been received for the last 17 months.
  • They are being given a salary of only Rs 18,000 per month, which they consider less than wages.
• Statement of Maulana Sajid Rashidi:
  • Maulana Sajid Rashidi, head of All India Imam Association, said,
    “For three days we have been returning disappointed. Arvind Kejriwal is not ready to meet even once.”

Despite three demonstrations the meeting did not take place

Imams had also demonstrated outside the Chief Minister’s residence on Thursday and Saturday last week.

• Thursday’s events:
  • Rashidi said he was given an appointment by Kejriwal’s PA at 5 pm on Saturday.
  • But, the meeting could not take place that day also.
• Monday’s performance:
  • On Monday morning, a large number of Imams again gathered outside Kejriwal’s residence.
  • Disappointment and anger were clearly visible on his face.

Main demands of Imams

1. Payment of pending salaries:
   • The outstanding salary of 17 months should be given as soon as possible.
2. Salary increment:
   • Calling the current salary of Rs 18,000 as less than a wage, there is a demand to increase it.

Questions are being raised on AAP government

This demonstration of Imams can create problems for the AAP government during election time.

• Blame:
  Rashidi said, “The Kejriwal government has ignored our problems.”
• Impact on vote bank:
  The Muslim community, which is considered the traditional vote bank of AAP, may be angry over this issue.