Lucknow: Former MLA Sohel Ansari assumed charge as the state president of the Congress minority unit at the minority community conference organised by the party’s state unit in Lucknow on Sunday.Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai addressed the event via videoconference from hospital, assuring that he would return and continue to work for the rights of minority communities.AICC general secretary and Uttar Pradesh in-charge Avinash Pande said that minorities played an important role in India’s freedom struggle and alleged that they were being targeted under the current BJP govt.Congress minority unit national chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi said that the Congress party represents a platform for minorities and urged people to unite politically.Delhi Congress in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin said the country needs inclusive leadership and called upon workers to connect with people at the grassroots.Bihar Congress Legislature Party leader Shakeel Ahmad said there is a need to counter divisive forces and strengthen Congress in Uttar Pradesh.Sohel Ansari said that Uttar Pradesh has historically shaped national politics and called upon minorities to recognise their political strength.MP Tanuj Punia raised concerns about alleged discrimination and social issues.
