Mumbai: People entangled in legal battles with the government due to terror or criminal charges have different views on voting. While a few chose to vote, Abdul Wahid Shaikh, who was acquitted of the Mumbai’s serial local train blast case preferred, not to exercise his franchise as he believes even if the government changes, it would only change the hands and not the mentality as there is no political party that could provide a corruption-free government.
Shaikh said, “I didn’t vote. There is no worthy candidate (party) and by voting, you will be selecting somebody who is not worthy.” According to him there is a need of a system that assures safety and security to all citizen. He also said, “You can’t question a political leader, and if you do, you are declared anti-national.”
Farooque Mapkar, who has been acquitted from charge of rioting during 1992 riots after demolition of Babri Masjid is still fighting his legal battle for action against policemen who fired at people, including him, inside Masjid in Wadala. He said, “I voted to keep the democracy alive.”
Mapkar also said, “I have suffered a lot even when Congress was in power but today the situation is choosing from worse and bad.” Accor-ding to him policies brou-ght by BJP have caused trouble to people coming from all walks of life and religion and hence there is a need for a change.
Maulana Gulam Yahya, who has been acquitted from charges of harbouring three terrorists hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, said, “Of course I voted today.” “I have gone through a very difficult time. Allah helped me.”
