UP govt has failed Muslims: Bukhari

Muslims had high hopes for the SP. They voted overwhelmingly for the party,but it failed to deliver in its first six months, Bukhari told The Indian Express.

After the Akhilesh government was sworn in on March 15,SP president Mulayam Singh Yadav had sought six months for his son to deliver results. Bukhari said,If elections are held today,we dont have the face to ask Muslims to vote for them. I had appealed to Muslims to support the SP during the Assembly polls. But it will be a tough call now,I have no answer.

Citing the failures of the state government,Bukhari said that Muslims faced three riots in Kosi Kalan,Pratapgarh,Bareilly. The government failed to disseminate the message among officials that they will be held responsible for riots in their districts.

He said the state government is yet to form a legal committee to ensure the release of Muslims who have been framed in terror cases. At least those,against whom chargesheet has not been filed,can be given bail, he said. Bukhari said no effort was being made to ensure reservation for Muslims and,despite several reminders,there are no Muslim district magistrates. There are a few SPs but no Muslim DM. If there is a paucity of Muslim officials,get them on deputation, he said.