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.
GST 2.0 rates came into effect today, what will be the benefits and impact? Understand in 10 points.
A major change has been implemented in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from today. The new GST r
Thousands converge in Punjab for 'Hola Mohalla'
Anandpur Sahib (Punjab), March 6 (IANS) Tens of thousands of devotees converged in this Sikh ho
By winning more than 54 percent votes in Delhi, the BJP has once again proved that it has a stron
Fire in Hotel Levana: A fire broke out in Hotel Levana on Monday in Hazratganj, the heart of Utta
According to a report, there has been a good improvement in economic activities after the decreas
Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, two big industrialists of the country, Mukesh Am
Delhi will have its board of education. The Kejriwal government on Saturday approved the formatio
New Delhi: After the death of former President Pranab Mukherjee, there is a wave of mourning acro
Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released its second list of candidates today (9 December). A
US channel claims: China created corona virus in Wuhan's lab with 'special purpose'
Ever since the global pandemic corona virus spread across the world, questions have been raised a
