Naseer Hussain: Bulldozer Action on Fahim Khan's Home Erodes Democratic Values
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Synopsis
On March 24, Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain condemned the demolition of Fahim Khan's Nagpur house, stating that such bulldozer actions threaten the core principles of democracy. He emphasized the need for legal processes before property destruction and criticized the government's overreach in democratic governance.
Key Takeaways
- Naseer Hussain condemns the demolition
- Action viewed as attack on democracy
- Legal processes must precede property destruction
- Government overreach criticized
- Support for free expression emphasized
New Delhi, March 24 (NationPress) Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain on Monday criticized the demolition of a two-story house in Nagpur, owned by Fahim Khan, asserting that this bulldozer action is not merely an assault on properties but also an attack on the fundamental principles of democracy that our nation stands for.
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation executed a bulldozer operation on Monday at the residence of Fahim Khan, who is alleged to be the mastermind behind the violence that erupted on March 17 in response to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's (VHP) demand for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Civic authorities took action to demolish the structure after Khan, currently in custody, did not meet the deadline for dismantling the unauthorized construction.
Hussain condemned this act, asserting that the government cannot arbitrarily demolish property without following legal procedures.
"No one, including the government, has the authority to declare someone guilty or innocent," he stated in an interview with IANS.
"It is the courts that should assess guilt, and penalties should follow their rulings. What we are witnessing is a troubling pattern—bulldozers being used not only against buildings but also against the very democratic system that our nation is founded upon. This kind of overreach is evident wherever the BJP governs, from Uttar Pradesh to Maharashtra. It threatens to erode the democratic framework and the rule of law," he added.
The Congress MP also defended stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, whose satirical video aimed at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde sparked controversy.
The video, which followed Kamra's performance at the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, featured the comedian using a modified version of a popular Bollywood song from 'Dil To Pagal Hai.' "Meri nazar se tum dekho toh, gaddar nazar wo aaye. Haaye," Kunal Kamra remarked during his show, which was interpreted as a jab at Shinde.
In light of the backlash, Hussain firmly questioned the government’s commitment to free expression.
"The Prime Minister of this country frequently discusses the importance of freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and the right to criticize," he remarked.
"If this is genuinely the case, then the government should support creative voices and address the atmosphere of fear they have cultivated in Maharashtra since taking power. Whether in Nagpur, Mumbai, or beyond, it’s evident what type of environment they seek to establish," he added.
Hussain also commented on a recent statement made by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, who suggested that amendments to the Constitution could be necessary when discussing a 4 percent quota for Muslims in public contracts.
Hussain clarified that the statement was misinterpreted. He explained that Shivakumar was referencing judicial rulings that often necessitate changes to laws, which could lead to constitutional amendments.
"This is not about altering the Constitution itself, but rather making essential adjustments in light of evolving legal interpretations," Hussain concluded.
