Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): To thwart the rise of fascist forces and uphold democratic principles in India, the Bhatkal Muslim Association Riyadh (BMAR) has recognized the critical importance of achieving a 100% voter turnout in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In a decisive move towards this goal, BMAR has announced that any of its members wishing to travel to India to participate in the elections scheduled for May 7 in Bhatkal under the Uttara Kannada constituency will be sponsored by the association.

This decision was made during an executive meeting of BMAR held in Riyadh on Friday night, as confirmed by BMAR President Mohammed Ammar Qazia in a statement to SahilOnline. Emphasizing the significance of the upcoming elections in restoring democracy, secularism, peace, and security, Ammar urged all members to recognize the power of their vote and prioritize casting their ballots on election day.

Ammar stressed the critical nature of voting, urging all believers in secularism to participate and even take a day or two off work if necessary to travel to Bhatkal and vote. To facilitate this for members residing in Riyadh, BMAR has committed to providing air tickets for those intending to travel to Bhatkal for voting.

It's worth noting that until now, there has been little activity in Bhatkal regarding these crucial elections, with no candidates reaching out to Muslim communities for campaigning. However, BMAR's significant decision has sparked enthusiasm among Bhatkal Jamaats in various Indian and Gulf cities.

This proactive step by the Riyadh Jamaat to facilitate voting among its members is expected to inspire other Jamaats and social organizations in the Gulf and across India to mobilize and provide travel arrangements for their members to vote. It is anticipated that all Jamaats will take necessary measures to ensure Bhatkal residents can exercise their voting rights.

Maulana Khawaja Moinuddin Akrami Madani, Qazi of Markazi Khalifa Jamatul Muslimeen Bhatkal, who attended the meeting as a guest, praised BMAR's initiative as a positive and patriotic move for the nation.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Abdul Aleem Qazia, the Jamaat's Patron, Secretary Suhaib Misbah, Executive members Habibullah Mohtisham, Abdul Raqib Pillur, Zuhaib Peshmam, Zaheer Karikal, Uqba Lanka, Imran SM, Abdul Majid SM, Niamatullah Kobatte, Syed Hashim Karikal, and Ismat Jakti, among others.