Will the appeal of Syed Ahmed Bukhari, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, influence Muslim voting in the State?
The answer is not in the affirmative. It might impact Muslim voting in the north, but down south the appeal carries little weight.
Many think Imam Bukhari’s appeal won’t cut ice with the Muslims since his stand kept changing over the years and he had even supported the Vajpayee Himayat Committee in 2003. But some feel there is nothing wrong in his appeal for support to the Congress with a view to avoid splitting of secular votes.
Analysts say Muslims are expected to plump for the MIM in Telangana, Muslim League in Kerala and other parties elsewhere depending on local factors.
One thing is certain – their votes will certainly not go to communal combinations.
