SLMC Becoming dominant Muslim political force again

It's renaissance time again for the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress! Plagued by internal dissensions and defections in recent times the party was in the doldrums. If the vicious criticism against the SLMC leader by his political rivals was a proper measure to go by then the leadership days of Rauff Hakeem seemed numbered. Much of the anti - Hakeem venom was mouthed not by long - standing enemies but by the friend turned foes , consisting of SLMC dissidents and defectors.

Politics however is dynamic. The wheel turns full cycle often. It is now turning once again to the advantage of Rauff Hakeem. The Muslim Congress is hitched to to Ranil Wickremasinghes star. If the success of recent UNP - SLMC election meetings in the North - East is anything to go by then the mood is certainly on the upbeat.

Rauff is on a roll. Speaking confidently at well attended Muslim mass meetings he talks proudly of the deal he has entered into with Wickremasinghe. The electoral divisions of Kalmunai, Sammanthurai and Pottuvil will be redemarcated together as a separate administrative district. An equitable scheme of tsunami rehabilitation will be set up where the Muslims will receive their rightful due and also control the process in Muslim areas. When peace talks begin the Muslims will be given third party status. No deal will be done without Muslim consent. Powers to be devolved to Tamil areas will also be devolved to Muslim majority areas. A territorially non - contiguous Muslim majority council may be on the cards depending on the course of negotiations. Muslim security too is guaranteed.

With all these and more guaranteed by Wickremasinghe the SLMC leader is putting his heart and soul into the opposition leaders campaign. Hakeem is telling the Muslims that they must ensure Wickremasinghes victory in order to secure the political promises made. Moreover Hakeem reminds the Eastern Muslims that the votes delivered should match those delivered from the Tamil side. He also states that the Muslims should win their rights without hindering the Tamils winning back their lost rights. As