SLMC considers SJB a rival party wherever it contests alone: Hakeem

By Yohan Perera   

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) consider Samagi Jana  Balawegaya (SJB) as one of its rival parties wherever it is contesting  alone under the tree symbol, its Leader Rauff Hakeem had said, creating  some kind of rumpus in the political circles.  

Mr. Hakeem came out with this remark at a few rallies held in support of SLMC members who are contesting under the tree symbol.   

“SLMC is contesting on its own under the tree symbol in  some areas, including Sammanthurai Pradeshiya Sabha. Therefore, we  consider SJB as one of our rival parties. This is our position, although  the SJB is our ally,” Mr. Hakeem said in a few rallies held in Malwana in  Gampaha District and in Dematagoda.   

“We are contesting as the SLMC under the tree symbol in  over 100 Pradeshiya Sabhas. SLMC is contesting under the SJB telephone  symbol only in a few local bodies. I came out with some remarks in  Sammanthurai where we are contesting the local government polls under  the tree symbol. SLMC is a powerful party in that area, whereas SJB is  weak. This is what I have meant in my recent remark,” he said.   

“Few candidates who have been rejected by the SLMC are  contesting from the SJB in Sammanthurai. They are making a false claim,  saying there are contesting under SJB with our blessing,” he added.   

“I only attempted to explain this situation, which resulted  in some confusion,” he said, adding that the SJB Leader had also  requested the SLMC to provide a clarification on his remarks.