Malegaon, October 17: In Malegaon Central assembly constituency of Maharashtra, where polls will be held on October 21, Congress has fielded its sitting MLA Shaikh Aasif Shaikh Rashid. In 2014 Maharashtra assembly elections, Shaikh Asif defeated Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate Mufti Mohammed Ismail. Both the leaders are again in the fray against each other. While Shaikh Asif is re-contesting as Congress nominee, Mufti Mohammed Ismail has joined Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).

While Shaikh Asif exuded confidence of winning a second consecutive term from Malegaon Central assembly seat, Congress workers, whom LatestLY spoke to, were not 100 percent sure of his victory mainly because of Asaduddin Owaisi's rising popularity in the Muslim-dominated town. When Shaikh Asif was busy in door-to-door campaigning, LatestLY managed to speak to him. In this interview, he talks about works that he has done, dynasty, politics of polarisation and his vision for Malegaon if he is elected. Here are excerpts from the interview.

LatestLY: You have been a legislator for five years. Can you list five of your achievements?

Shaikh Asif: Despite being a Congress MLA, I managed to bring permission from BJP government for construction of a flyover in Malegaon. The construction of the flyover is underway. A hill station and Urdu Ghar is built during my term. The government has also approved my request for an ITI college, especially for minorities. A coaching centre for NEET aspirants is also being run.

LatestLY: You took out a march from Malegaon to Mumbai for reservation for Muslims in education and government jobs. Despite Bombay High Court's direction, the BJP government denied it. If the Congress-NCP combine returns to power, will Muslims get a reservation?

Shaikh Asif: If the Congress-NCP alliance comes to power, Muslims will get a reservation in education and government jobs. Even if my party doesn't come to power, I will raise this issue and continue to fight for this cause.

LatestLY: You formed an alliance with the Shiv Sena in Malegaon Municipal Corporation. Despite not having a majority, the NDA managed to get the Triple Talaq bill passed in Rajya Sabha. Some Congress MPs were absent during voting. Is Congress really a secular party?

Shaikh Asif: Congress opposed the Triple Talaq bill and voted against it as well. But I want to ask Asaduddin Owaisi and Mufti Mohammed Ismail why the AIMIM is backing Telangana Rashtriya Samithi (TRS) in Telangana even though this party voted in favour of the Triple Talaq bill. Congress has been fighting for every section of the society including minorities and will continue to do so.

LatestLY: Agra road which goes from Malegaon has become a butt of jokes on social media thanks to its pathetic condition. Agra road is full of potholes and it's been years. Why couldn't you repair it?

Shaikh Asif: I was elected as an MLA in 2014. In 2017, I got permission from the state government for construction of a flyover and re-construction of Agra road. It will take some time to complete. But the work has started and you can go and see it. The contractor who delayed the construction is being blacklisted by authorities.

LatestLY: You distributed free notebooks and conducted award ceremonies and fairs. But it has nothing to do with government schemes or funds?

Shaikh Asif: I do all these things for the marketing of local talent and products. Free notebooks in a way encourage children to study and fairs increase in sale of local products. It has nothing to do with the government. I organise these events to promote Malegaon on the state level.

LatestLY: Will Congress government bring anti-mob lynching law like it did in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh?

Shaikh Asif: The incidents of mob lynching have become a national issue and there is a need for a strict law against it. I think the Centre must enact a law to prevent incidents of mob lynching. However, if I am elected, I will demand a law in the state assembly no matter which party wins.

LatestLY: What message would you like to send to voters of Malegaon?

Shaikh Asif: I am fighting to save Malegaon from a disastrous mistake. Residents of Malegaon have been voting for secular parties. If AIMIM wins from a Muslim-dominated town, it will send a wrong message. AIMIM's victory will stamp Malegaon as communal. I don't want communal harmony to get disturbed in this city. I urge citizens to think wisely, vote for a secular candidate and reject the politics of polarization.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 17, 2019 08:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).