Banatwala was a rootless leader. He had to contest from Ponnani to get elected. It was due to the fact Malappuram had majority muslim population that he was able to get elected to the Parliament. He might have forefeited even the "deposit" if he had contested from any other place in Kerala. Of late even the muslims of Malappuram were dis-illusioned with him. I remember a muslim woman telling during the last Parliament elections that at least the then candidate could understand their language as Banatwala was not even understand the language of the local people.
Shah Bano case has done more harm to the muslims (even the Babri Masjid episode was an outcome of the same - the Congress govt opened the gates of the disputed structure to the hindus to placate them in the wake of this case - and we all know what happend afterwards)
RE:Banatwala was a rootless leader
by iamyourfather on Jun 25, 2008 11:23 PM Permalink
Many leaders in India are rootless, in your sense of the word. The biggest example is our PM Mr. Manmohan Singh, who could never win election of even a corporator in a municipality. At the same time, many a known crimianls get elected while still in jail. Winning or loosing elections do not diminish the virtue of a perosn. Banatwala at least won so many elections.
RE:Banatwala was a rootless leader
by JGN on Jun 25, 2008 11:34 PM Permalink
What is common with a Muslim leader from Mumbai and those who elected him from Ponnani in Kerala except their religion? Yes, the PM is as rootless as Banatwala. That is the reason why he was elected to the Upper House.
