The Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid, Maulana Syed Ahmed Bukhari, has severed his year-long turbulent relationship with the Samajwadi Party after he sent in the resignations of his son-in-law and MLC Umar Ali Khan and Civil Defence Council chairman Waseem Ahmad to Mulayam Singh on Saturday. They were the Shahi Imam’s nominees.
The resignations were sent along with a letter addressed by Maulana Bukhari to Mr. Singh informing him about his decision to snap ties with the Samajwadi Party.
Confirming the decision, the Shahi Imam told The Hindu over phone from Delhi that Muslims were still waiting to get their due in the Samajwadi Party government. Blaming the SP chief for “taking the Muslims for granted,” the Maulana said “Muslims are not bonded labourers.”
He indicated that the minority community was capable of deciding its course and may not support the Samajwadi Party in 2014. The Maulana claimed that the minority community was feeling let down by the present regime in Uttar Pradesh and “is fast distancing itself from the SP.”
However, while Maulana Bukhari indicated that he was not averse to another round of talks with Mr. Singh, he said the discussions should be centred around solid assurances. The Shahi Imam said several SP leaders had phoned him for giving another chance (to Mulayam Singh), and his reply to them was that mere promises and assurances would not do, but something positive should be done.
Maulana Bukhari had extended his conditional support to the SP chief prior to the Assembly elections in 2012, but of late their relationship had gone sour, with the Shahi Imam accusing Mr. Singh of reneging on his promises regarding the welfare of the Muslims.
Claiming that he had been instrumental in enabling the Samajwadi Party get the support of the Muslims in the Assembly elections, the Shahi Imam said: “The Muslims voted for Mulayam Singh and not for Akhilesh Yadav, but the end result has been zero with none of the promises being fulfilled. ”
Bukhari supported SP on what grounds is not clear, perhaps he did it for the betterment of Muslims only. He should have known that a party which has been giving shelter to all kinds of criminals in UP in the past cannot change merely with the introduction of a young face. I still believe that Akhilesh can do better if given a free hand to run the state. Deteriorating law and order situation is a problem for all the people of the state. When it comes to robbery criminals are criminals and they do not discriminate they just rob anyone. Most of these gangs have their godfathers in the state govt. After this govt. came to power attacks on people of oppressed classes increased but at the same time people belonging to other castes and religion were also affected. A train was looted near Ghaziabad some six to seven months back and the victims among others included a Muslim family. When the general law and order collapses no one is safe. Now the death of a young DSP is a warning for the SP.
Why should any political party bother for Syed Bukhari. He had been
enjoying making statements practically all including religious groups
and political parties. Shah s have gone but he continues to be a self
appointed Shahi imam.His statements had always been against the
country and the majority community.He should be totally ignored and
let him talk what he likes. As far as I know,a larger group of the the
community to which he belongs does not favour his statements. His
partisan attitude is against the unity of different communities. If he
thinks that he could force the govt. to suit his whims, let him form
the party and contest election.
Bukhari should mind his business within the four walls of Jama Masjid in Delhi instead of poking his dirty nose in politics leaving it to the good sense of India's citizens including Muslims, not all of whom owe their religious allegiance to Bukhari even in UP.
What Bhukhari ji is said absolutely right, both senior and junior
yadav doing or working only for their comunity. you can see every
where you will find yadav officers in all important post. its a
discrimination openly. and i am sure muslims will not vote for sp
again if they do not do anything. its a flop government. yarr at least
please dont promise if you are not able to do anything for the welfare
of minority. i request all the minority community please be care ful .
and we should back Shahi Imam. not Azam kha. he will never do anything
except giving some money to madarsa . we also want o become, doctor,
engineer, IAS, IPS. why why you are not doing anything for us.
Who are you trying to fool Mr Bukharei simple illetrate common muslim people time has come Now they realize, that all politicians like you who use the name of Islam to install the hate in their minds and do vote bank politics,
This is just clashes of self interest
Unfortunately Muslims have long been used as tools by political parties
and they suffered. They will continue to suffer if they do not align
themselves in a proper way.
Time has come to stop keeping relationship with religious merchants and establish direct contacts with the masses.
SP is exploiting Muslims for own political benefits.
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