Is this Ramzan gift for Muslims in Maharashtra: Imtiaz Jaleel questions CM over state’s move to scrap 5% SEBC quota for community

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Former MP and AIMIM state president Syed Imtiaz Jaleel on Wednesday questioned chief minister Devendra Fadnavis over state govt's decision to scrap the 5% SEBC (socially and educationally backward classes) quota for Muslims, asking whether the move was as a ‘Ramzan gift' for the community in Maharashtra.The former MP said his position on reservation was not confined to Muslims, stressing that poverty and limited access to education affected people across communities. "Not everyone in the Brahmin community is wealthy either. There are poor students there too, who want education but cannot afford it. They should also receive concessions," Jaleel said, reiterating his support for Maratha reservation and income-based benefits for deprived sections.With the holy month of Ramzan beginning on Thursday, Jaleel said the timing of govt's decision had hurt community sentiments. "Is this the Ramzan gift for the Muslims in Maharashtra?" he asked, criticising the state leadership for withdrawing the reservation.He also questioned the silence of Muslim ‘clerics' over the issue. "Some religious leaders become active only during elections, appealing to people to vote for specific candidates or parties. Will you come out only once in five years? Now that the community is facing a crisis over reservation, what is your role?" Jaleel asked.Referring to an AIMIM candidate's loss in Beed, Jaleel alleged that clerics in the district had collectively supported the former deputy CM late Ajit Pawar and mobilised votes in his favour, which he claimed contributed to AIMIM candidate's defeat. "Since the clerics were able to unite for a political stand during elections, I now expect them to come together and lead the fight for reservation too. I am ready to walk behind you," the former MP said.He said AIMIM members and workers consistently protest on community-related issues, but during election season, other groups step in to influence voters. "This must stop. Those who speak during elections must now step up," Jaleel added.