By Prof D. Abul Fazal
The dawn on 21/07/2020 had set the hearts of thousands of Muslims of Tamil Nadu in despair as the news of the demise of Aslam Basha, former Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ambur Constituency in Tamil Nadu unfurled. The general masses, community activists, the Muslim Political leadership in general and the leadership of Manitha Neya Makkal Katchi ( Humanitarian People’s party) had high hopes on Aslam Basha a state Organising Secretary of Manithaneya Makkal Katchi and an active volunteer in assertion of community rights. Though it is obvious that every soul must depart, and Aslam Basha would have departed as a contended soul his journey would be incomplete for his death has failed the hopes of several men. His demise at a young age of 52 had crashed all hopes and expectations despite his good deeds having sowed seeds of hope.
A man of the masses he rose from grassroots to the top leadership of his party. He strengthened the party in his home – town Ambur and the entire Vellore district before being elected as the legislator of Ambur. As the first legislator in the 14 th General Assembly of Tamil Nadu (2011-2016) of the newly created Ambur constituency he had negotiated the development of his constituency, safeguarded the interest of the state, and defended the rights of the community.
The people of Ambur fondly remember him for his record breaking services to the constituency. He ensured that long pending demands of the constituency are approved by the legislature and executed by the government. The Maligai Thoppu to Thuthipet road bridge connecting the main town Ambur with its suburb was a prolonged aspiration of the people of Ambur which was ensured because of Aslam Basha’s ability to convince the legislature and potentiality to handle the government machinery. A Sub Registrar Office and a Regional Transport office in Ambur stand testimony to his efficiency as a legislator. V.R. Naseer Ahmed, Tiruppattur District Secretary of Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam recollected that Aslam Basha’s monumental achievement was getting the Reddithope overbridge sanctioned, though it has been sanctioned the bridge work has not started. Naseer Ahmed asserted that our real tribute to Aslam Basha Saheb would be to ensure that his dream of the Reddithope bridge becomes a reality.
Once K.V. Ramalingam a minister in Selvi J. Jayalalitha’s government while replying to a debate for the demand of grants of his Ministry made a statement that Muslims worship Prophet Muhammad/ It is a tradition in the Assembly that no members should react when a Minister is replying after the conclusion of the debate for grants to his Ministry. However Aslam Basha immediately roared in the Assembly pin – pointing the blunder the minister was committing and demanded the remark to be expunged. The then Chief Minister Selvi J Jayalalitha had to intervene and request the Honourable speaker to remove the inaccurate comment made by her minister. Like – wise Aslam Basha had been vociferous in the Assembly to safeguard the interest of the state.
The cadres of Manithajeya Makkal Katchi fondly recall his loyalty to the community and his party. The 14th Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed a rare phenomenon when a split was manipulated in 3 out of 4 small parties with 2 members of legislatures by the ruling AIADMK government in its favour with the exception of Manithajeya Makkal Katchi it was generally expected that Aslam Basha would also ditch his party and leader to join over the ruling government. Inspite of all incitements and pressure from the ruling dispensation Aslam Basha turned out to be a trustworthy lieutenant of his leader and a faithful soldier of the party.
Dr. M. H. Jawahirullah President, Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam and Aslam Basha were a rare duo in the 14th General Assembly of Tamil Nadu legislature, for Dr. M. H. Jawahirullah was a teacher of Aslam Basha at Islamiah College (Autonomous), Vaniyambadi, later Dr. M. H. Jawahirullah became the leader of Aslam Basha when he joined TMMK, then both became colleagues in the 14th General Assembly of Tamil Nadu legislature when both of them were elected as members of the legislature.
A distressed Dr. M. H. Jawahirullah affirmed “Our relationship is unique for Aslam Basha was my student, then a cadre, a friend, a party leader, a colleague and by the time he departed he had become a brother. It is a irreparable loss to me personally and also to the community.
Aslam Basha is survived by his wife, a daughter, and a son. Let us join together in prayer to the Almighty for showering His blessings on the departed soul by granting him the choicest place in heaven and also to provide the bereaved family and friends solace.
Inna innalhi wa inna illahi rajioon
A good soul know him for a very long time will definitely
Miss him, my deepest condolence to his family.
And I know Prof .Jawahurlla Saab you will miss him the most.
May Allah accept his service and grant him jannathul Firdous
Good article… Prof. in Aslam bhais memory
May Allah.. Rest his soul in peace…
a nice loving person who won the heart of thousands left us..
May Allah accept his good deeds and forgive his sins and admit him into jannathul firdaus
It’s a National loss,
May Allah.. Rest his soul in peace…
a nice loving person who won the heart of thousands left us..