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The Najma Heptulla Chat

Dr Najma Heptulla: (Marwari man:) I wish you gave me your name . The situation in India as far as communal tension is concerned is okay. In a diverse country like India it is but natural that there would be some tensions but we have survived for centuries and I'm sure we will survive all the problems and difficulties which come in our way. Many countries with more homogenous societies have more troubles and contradictions than we have. I am a very optimistic person and I have faith in the wisdom of the general people of India who are not communal and are peace loving.

I have been away for a long time (Aziz from Orlando here). I hear the BJP is targetting us in their efforts to come to power. Do you believe the Hindutva plank can actually taken them to government the next time there is an election?

Dr Najma Heptulla: (Aziz) It can only happen in a secular country like India which has given 2 Muslim vice-presidents and two muslim Presidents. If there is a worthy candidate it can happen again.

Sakina Khan: Sure why not , I'm quite sure that this government will last. Mr Sitaram Kesri has announced just a few days back that he wants this government to last its full term.

Allan Scott: Maam, Do you think that Mrs. Gandhi is heading towards the Congress presidentship. Do you think this will enhance the image of the Congress party.

Madam, my deepest apologies for not giving you my name. A N Lakhotia, here. Thank you for your kind words. What do you think of Mr Seshan joining the Presidential race? I fear that if someone like him becomes president, the very spirit of the Constitution may be undermined. What is your prognosis for the poll? Will Shri Narayanan become the Rashtrapati?

Sakina Khan: Dr Heptullah, who do you see as the next likely candidate in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Do you think Seshan stands a chance. If he does he'll perhaps make be the most brash president India has ever had...

SIVA: Hi

Aziz: Bahut Shukriya, Madam. We have you and I think you are the best candidate for the vice-presidency. I request Rediff to highlight this chat among opinion makers so there is consensus about Madam. But, Madam, why has the quality of our MPs gone down? I cannot imagine someone like Mohammad Shabuddin from Siwan or Phoolan Devi becoming MPs. Is there something wrong in the system?

Dr Najma Heptulla: (Aziz from Orlando) I don't think so. Any party which comes to power in India has to carry all the people belonging to all religions, regions, caste and language. Whether it is the BJP or any other party will also have to carry all the diverse realities of our nation to be successful.

Dr Najma Heptulla: (A N Lakotia) I don't disagree with you regarding your first point. I'm sure when Mr Narayanan is a candidate he will win and will make a good President.

Lakhotia here: I believe you are in constant touch with Shri Advani for the Presidential election. What is the BJP leadership's approach towards Muslims? Do they still consider all MUslims as Babbar ke Aulad? Do you think we will have trouble if they come to power?

Sam Bagchi: I see you would not like to comment on Mrs Gandhi. A personal question: What have been the dominant personal and political influences on your life?

Hi Najma, this is an old school mate of yours from AGEI... Proud to have you as the deputy chairperson, and prouder still would I be if you make it to the deputy P! Frankly -- *smiling* -- never thought you had it in you!

Dr Najma Heptulla: (Aziz) Thank you for your kind sentiments about me. Everything is in the hand of god. As regards the second point there is nothing wrong in our system, our voters should use their votes more carefully and judiciously and realise whoever they vote will get elected whether good or bad. Once they cast their vote they should not complain.

What do you think of K R N as our President? Do you think Indian minds have expanded enough to accept a SC for the post?

James: n a few weeks from now, you may be the vice-president of India In your opinion, what are the problems that confront India in these troubled times

You know what is wrong with India, Madam. This whole segmentation of Indian society. Hindu versus Muslim. Brahmin versus sc/st. When will all this end, Madam? Do you have an agenda when you are veep, to end the divisions in Indian society? Or will you stick to a ceremonial role?

Hey, we heard there was hectic lobbying and partying on your behalf -- and by you yourself -- at top levels. In fact, you are said to be partying about with top people in Delhi. Is that true Dr Heptullah? Now, a frank answer please!

hi

Thank you, Madam. There is a feeling in our community that we are each other's worst enemies. We pull each other when we sense someone rising. This charge has also been raised against you. I know it is unfair, but please let us know why the quality of Muslim leadership, with a few exceptions like yourself, is so poor.

That is me, Aziz...

The BJP has spoken of amending the Constitution? They believe it has outlived its utility in its present form, and perhaps think it is time to move to a Presidential system. Would you agree?

Siva Sankar: Why has Sonia joined politics? Is it because of the fact that CBI is going to release it final report on Bofors?

That question was asked by me, A N Lakhotia.

Mrs Heptullah: Are you a feminist... Your continuing with your maiden name seems to suggest it!

What have been the dominant personal and political influences on your life?

Dr Najma Heptulla: (OLD SCHOOL MATE) Kindly give your name, why are you hiding, and what is AGEI? Some talents are very hidden, it needs talent to recognise.

Alan Scott: Mrs Sonia Gandhi has just become a primary member of the Congress party as the membership drive was on. She is very much a part of the Congress family, if she contests the election for the Congress presidency she is most welcome. Generally, Congress members have welcomed her joining the party, she has a good chance of winning provided she wants it.

Sam Bagchi: As far as the influences in my persoanl and political life there have been many personalities who influenced me like my grandfather Maulana Abul Kalam Azad for his nationalism and understanding of the spirit of religion and Nehruji for his democratic values, Mrs Indira Gandhi for her courage, my own parents for their kindness and my husband for his understanding and confidence in me and my children for their tolerence of a extremely busy mother.

Aziz:Why do you think Rajiv -- of all, people -- opened the locks in Ayodhya? Was it to balance the reaction from the Shah Bano case?You were his gensec then. Did you not advise him against it? Did he not see the consequences? Or was he swayed by the likes of Arun Nehru?

Najma, this is your old school mate again (who wish to remain anonymous). I just saw the question whether you were a feminist. Could you pls answer it. To think that you used to be exempted from needlework in school, and now you are planning to take on the needlwork of the whole country! *Laughs*

Dr Najma Heptulla: (Siva Shankar): It was her personal decision to join the Congress party, it has no relevance to Bofors.

(Dear Feminist): Well I do stand for all the causes of women which are relevant and worthwhile they have been suppressed, denied their rightful positions and opportunities. Both in education and decision making. My maiden name is Najma and my husbands surname is Heptulla.

Aziz: There is a feeling in our community that we are each other's worst enemies. We pull each other when we sense someone rising. This charge has also been raised against you. I know it is unfair, but please let us know why the quality of Muslim leadership, with a few exceptions like yourself, is so poor.