Not a publicity stunt, I am doing it for communal harmony: NCP leader Fahmida Hasan Khan

The NCP leader from Charkop, who sent a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking permission to chant prayers of every religion in front of PM Modi's residence, says though it’s her personal stand, she has sent a copy of the letter to her party office too

Amid the ongoing Hanuman Chalisa row in Maharashtra, Fahmida Hasan Khan, the working president of North Mumbai district of the NCP, has written a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking permission to chant prayers of every religion in front of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Kalyan Marg residence in the national capital.

In an exclusive interview to mid-day.com, Khan said, "My motive is to promote communal harmony in the country. Though I have sent the letter in my personal capacity, I have sent the same to my party office as well. If I do not receive a reply from the home ministry, I will write to Shah again, because if the Hindutva agenda can help reduce inflation, unemployment and starvation, then why not?" 

Khan added that the recent developments in the country, especially Maharashtra, are saddening. Commenting on the unrest caused by MP Navneet Rana and her MLA husband Ravi Rana’s move to recite Hanuman Chalisa in front of the private residence of CM Uddhav Thackeray, the NCP leader said, “Religious functions are turning communal, as some political leaders want loudspeakers banned in mosques. Why is it happening and why is the Centre quiet on all of this? I live in an area where there are mosques and temples too. We celebrate all festivals together. That is the beauty of our country. We have never had complaints against each other, be it for azaan, aarti or other festive celebrations.”

Khan added, "Since I have tweeted the letter, I am aware that many social media users will target me, but the best I can do is ignore such comments and move ahead with what I have planned to."

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