No party is a well wisher of Muslims, says Imam Bukhari

Addressing a gathering before the Friday namaz here at historical Jama Masjid, the Shahi Imam stressed the need for formation of a “fair and stable” government in the Centre, and said “after having tested all the political parties, in the present political situation, it does not seem proper to support any particular political party. No party may it be Congress, or BJP, or UF,none of them is a well wisher of the Muslims.”

Assailing the electoral alliance of the UF with Akali Dal in Punjab, from where the Prime Minister is contesting, Bukhari said: “These politicians are trying to fool the Muslim community. They are leaving no stone unturned to divide the Muslim community by fielding one Muslim candidate against other Muslims.”

Maintaining his silence about whom to vote for, Bukhari said, “though Sonia Gandhi and the Congress Party have extended their apology on the issue of demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, however, whether the Congress Party be exonerated or not would be decided by the Muslim as a whole.”

Criticising the betrayal, Bukhari said “all the political parties claiming to safeguard the interests of the Muslims in order to convince them and capture their votes, are, in fact, not sincere.”

“Their aim,” he said, “is to protect the interest of the majority. The difference appears only in the way they act. One opposes the Muslims openly while the otherbelieves in subjugating them secretly.”

“I appeal to Indian citizens, in general, and to Muslims, in particular, to extend their support and give their vote in their respective constituencies to good and honest candidates so that a fair and stable government could be formed,” he said. Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri Masjid Dr Mufti Mohammed Mikarramahmed also urged the Muslims to elect those candidates who had sympathy with minorities and who are able to combat communalism.

Terming the Terrorist and Disruptive (Preventive) Act (TADA) a `draconian Act’, Bukhari further said, “TADA was grossly misused in flagrant violation of Constitutional provisions and democratic rights by the various political parties to get mileage. Thousands of innocent Muslims were still languishing inside various jails all over the country,” he said.

Analysing the performances of various political parties, especially relating to minority and Muslim issues, Syed Bukhari said “despite the lofty promises made during the past fivedecades, nothing has been done for the socio-economic upliftment of the minority community,” adding that “the Indian Muslims were disappointed with the performance the United Front and its allies.”

Charging the BJP with intensifying the communal fervor by announcing building of the temple at the disputed site, propounding a uniform civil code and by advocating Hindutva, Bukhari said “BJP is gaining strength owing to the follies of the Samajwadi Party, the Congress and the Janata Dal.”