Arif Khan affirms commitment to party day after he quits as star campaigner, ‘with Congress and will stay...’
MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) nominations did not have a single Muslim candidate in Maharashtra. While speaking to reporters today, Arif reiterated his support to the Congress party. He also added that he did receive an offer from AIMIM, however, he affirmed that he will remain with Congress and declined any association with AIMIM.
Khan told reporters, "Since independence, Congress gave equal opportunities to minorities and every caste. There is no question about me as an individual. I'm a leader of the Muslim community and Muslims are asking me why no seats have been given for Muslim candidates.
So what I told them, is a big question for me. I thank AIMIM for their offer but I will not accept that, no contact with AIMIM. I'm with Congress and I will stay in Congress." The former party star campaigner also added, “I am not saying anything on leadership.
I only speak on what my community thinks. My leaders are Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. But those who are on the ground must change their perspective and think about us too." In a letter addressed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Khan expressed his gratitude for being named as one of the star campaigners for the polls.
However, he stated that he would not campaign further for the party in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "From a total of 48 seats in Maharashtra, MVA has not nominated a single Muslim candidate in Maharashtra," Khan stated in his letter to Kharge. The senior leader further mentioned that numerous Muslim organizations, leaders, and party workers in the state had expectations that the Congress would nominate at least one candidate.
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