Hyderabad: Union minister of state for minority welfare and parliamentary affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday took a dig at those promoting communalism in the country and said that there was nothing wrong in having an anti-conversion law if all political parties and people agreed.

Taking potshots at Pakistan, he added that terrorism was raising its ugly head and it could not be seen in isolation since it was a universal problem for mankind. Taking an indirect snipe at MIM supremo Asaduddin Owaisi’s comments on conversion and BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj promoting four children by families, he said, “I think there is a competition as to who is the biggest champion of communalism. People of this country don’t accept such narrow-minded approach.”

Mr Naqvi, who was in Hyderabad to discuss the Modi Government’s Mission Empowerment programme with Telangana state, said it was a priority programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Union minister also objected to the use of the semi-burqa clad photo of actor Kareena Kapoor titled “love jihad” on the cover of a VHP-backed magazine, saying, “It’s unfortunate and it should be avoided.”

He said establishment of Urdu schools with various curriculum including English, Hindi and other languages, along with Madrassas, was discussed with deputy Chief Minister Mohd Mahamood Ali.

Asked about the hatred promoted by some, he said the country is run by law and not by danda. “Law and order is state subject. Respective states should take action if someone indulges in hate campaigns. The Central government or the Prime Minister cannot send anyone to jail.”

Asked whether he supported an anti-conversion law, he said, “Yes, if everybody is ready, if all the political parties are ready, anti-conversion law should be brought. Several states have anti-conversion laws. The conversion issue is nothing new. It’s a very old issue. There is nothing wrong in having a law against forceful conversion. But all political parties and people should agree.”

When a reporter pointed out that the NDA government had ignored its own 15-point welfare programme, he denied the same saying that the government was implementing it in letter and spirit though there had been some hiccups.

“We are implementing it with all sincerity. In fact, the government is trying to wipe out power brokers in Delhi and ensure good governance. We are also ensuring benefits for minorities,” he said.

‘Urdu is Hindustan’s Tehzeeb’:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission empowerment for minorities would go a long way in their all round development, said Union minister of state for minority affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday.

Mr Naqvi, who was the chief guest at the 17th foundation day celebrations of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), said the university can play an important role in the government’s mission of empowering the minorities.

Stating he was not so fluent in Urdu, he cited an incident where he was on the lookout for a secretary knowing Urdu in Delhi. “I was searching all around, but so far I have not been able to get one. I got some translations done in Urdu and I could not make out whether it was Urdu or Farsi. When I asked the guy, he said he did it through Google!”he remarked amidst laughter.

He added, that Urdu is not a language, but Hindustan’s “Tehzeeb’ which the country has to strengthen and take forward.