With little support in spat with Imam,Azam hints at truce

Realising that perhaps his war of words with Imam of Delhis Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari has gone a bit too far,Samajwadi Party general secretary and state Cabinet minister Azam Khan on Tuesday sought to resolve the controversy.

Realising that perhaps his war of words with Imam of Delhis Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari has gone a bit too far,Samajwadi Party general secretary and state Cabinet minister Azam Khan on Tuesday sought to resolve the controversy.

The SPs Muslim mascot said he was a loyal worker of the party and that the party should have stood by him when he was being attacked. I am loyal to the party and will always remain there for the party. I am working for the party and will continue doing my work, Khan said.

The war of words between the two began on January 28,just before the Assembly polls,when Bukhari announced support to the SP and Khan advised him to remain confined to Jama Masjid. The nomination of Bukharis son-in-law Umar Ali Khan as SP candidate for Legislative Council elections last week was another flashpoint. Khan opposed it and Bukhari rejected the offer,alleging that the SP was interested in Muslim votes rather than giving them a fair share in power and administration.

SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav did not intervene openly,but had a word with Bukhari discreetly,much to the chagrin of Khan. Some Muslim MLAs and ministers also met Bukhari,which was not possible without the consent of Mulayam.

Yes,it is a fact that the party should have reacted because I have been attacked in my capacity as a party leader. If a minister is under attack,the party should take a stand, said Khan.

He also said he will keep mum over the issue now. During these days,questions have been raised over my ability as a minister. I did not desire or demand any ministry. If I feel that I am not able to perform,I will straightaway tell the leadership, said Khan over Bukharis allegation that he has been bestowed with all ministries concerning Muslim welfare.

Though Khan seems to have called for a ceasefire,Bukhari seems to stick to his guns. As of now,I have returned the ticket of Umar Ali Khan. I will accept it only when Muslims get their due representation, he said,adding that Muslims were given a raw deal in the ministry and in the Rajya Sabha elections.

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The Imam said talks with Mulayam were on and will soon mature. I cannot reveal the name of the mediator, he said.

Meanwhile,in order to placate Khan,the SP has decided to field the second Muslim candidate from his camp. The most probable name is former chairman of Sunni Waqf Board Hafiz Mohd Usman. However,instead of changing any of the candidates already announced,the SP is planning to get surplus votes of other parties to ensure his victory.

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With little support in spat with Imam,Azam hints at truce

Realising that perhaps his war of words with Imam of Delhis Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari has gone a bit too far,Samajwadi Party general secretary and state Cabinet minister Azam Khan on Tuesday sought to resolve the controversy.

Realising that perhaps his war of words with Imam of Delhis Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari has gone a bit too far,Samajwadi Party general secretary and state Cabinet minister Azam Khan on Tuesday sought to resolve the controversy.