New Delhi, April 4 (IANS) Muslim leader Syed Ahmed Bukhari Friday announced his support for the Congress and its allies as well as Trinamool Congress in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. BJP termed it a "communal stance" and asked the poll panel to take cognizance.
"I had a detailed discussion with (Congress president) Sonia Gandhi on various issues related to Muslims. I announce my support for the Congress for the general elections," Bukhari, the Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid mosque in Delhi, told reporters.
He said that it is not a diktat but an appeal to Muslims to vote for the Congress.
The Shahi Imam asked Muslims to vote for the Trinamool Congress too.
"In Bengal, the Trinamool Congress has done work for Muslims. It can be hoped that Mamata Banerjee will protect Muslims," he added.
"We will support all allies of the Congress including the RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal)," he added.
"I have complaints against Congress, but that doesn't mean we will vote for people who want to divide the country," he added.
Bukhari accused the Samajwadi Party of Mulayam Singh Yadav of betraying Muslims.
"Voting for the SP and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will be a waste," he added.
"Nation faces danger from communal forces. We should ensure secular votes are not divided," he added.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) meanwhile slammed the stance taken by Bukhari, accusing Congress of communalising the election.
"The Shahi Imam has kept changing stand every election. They have chosen a communal stance," said party leader Ravi Shankar Prasad.
"This just shows desperation of the Congress. They are trying to communalise the election and the Election Commission must take cognizance of this communal appeal," he said.
Russia-Ukraine War Updates: Zelensky said – companies leaving Russia should invest in Ukraine, we will rebuild our country
The Ru-Ukraine war that started on 24 February continues. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is constantly trying to garner support in his favor. Zelensky addressed the World Economic Forum (WEF)
The Kapil Sharma Show: From Sunil Grover to Sidhu, sometimes due to a dispute with Kapil and sometimes unhappy with the role, these TV stars left the show
'The Kapil Sharma Show' has become the most talked-about but controversial show on television. Recently there are reports that Kapil has refused to invite the director of Kashmir Files Vivek Agnihotri
Goldy Brar Murder: US Police denied the death of Goldy Brar, and said- the news going on in the media is wrong.
Punjab's wanted gangster Goldy Brar is alive. The news of his death came in the media on Wednesday. Subsequently, the Fresno Police Department in California denied this. One of the
Kangana's anger: Kangana furious at Bollywood's silence on 'The Kashmir Files', said - the chamchas went into the shadows
Vivek Agnihotri's Kashmir Files releases on March 11. The film is getting tremendous response from the audience and critics. In such a situation, now Kangana Ranaut has targeted the silence of
What is the future of cryptocurrency in India? Know from Nirmala Sitharaman
What is the future of cryptocurrencies in India is being discussed? Central Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das has once again warned investors about crypto. At the same time, Finance Minister
West Bengal elections: BJP is focusing on these communities, quietly engaged in changing the electoral picture
In West Bengal, the elections are going to be held in 8 phases, all the parties are eyeing the Muslim votes. 30% of the population here is of the Muslim community and has special importance in
Kolkata Knight Riders created history in IPL, secured number 1 position in the points table for the first time
Kolkata Knight Riders have secured the number-1 position in the points table of IPL 2024. KKR achieved this feat for the first time in the history of the league. Shreyas Iyer-led KKR has played
If you want to take a new phone in the range of 20000, then here is the list of latest smartphones, take a look
In India, many great smartphones have been launched in the 20000 range recently. If you are also planning to get a new phone and your budget is around 20000 rupees then we are adjusting you some
PM Narendra Modi made this special appeal to the countrymen in 'Anupama' style, video went viral on social media
Diwali 2023: 'Anupama', which started in the year 2020, has become the most popular show in the TV industry today. The dialogues and stories of the daily soap attract the audience a lot. There are
IND vs AUS 5th Test: Big blow to Indian team before Sydney Test match, star bowler out due to injury
India vs Australia's five-match Test series is currently tied at 1-1. The fifth and last match of this series is to be played in Sydney from January 3, 2025. Before this Test match, the Indian team
