The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Saturday slammed Shahi Imam Ahmed Bhukhari for extending support to both Congress and Trinamool Congress in one breath and said he was not the sole proprietor of the Muslims in the country.
Asked about Bhukhari’s support to Trinamool Congress, CPI General Secretary Sudhakar Reddy told reporters that it was sarcastic and surprising that he had given a call to support Congress at the national level but Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal, where both are fighting each other.
“I do not know on what basis he has decided to support both the parties. I do not know how the Muslim community would take his call, as many clerics have criticised the Imam. He (Bhukari) is not the sole proprietor of Muslim community in India,” Mr. Reddy said.
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Mr. Reddy also came down heavily on BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi for raising the issue of cow slaughter (pink meat export).
He alleged that Congress and BJP were two sides of the same coin and both were responsible for the present situation of the country, due to their “neo-liberal” economic policies.
“BJP, which has failed to release its poll manifesto so far, has no agenda for the future of India, which showed its bankruptcy of policy,” he said.
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“Mere change of the government or prime minister will not help the country and a silent PM or an arrogant PM, will not solve the problem and the change of policy that is pro-people, is the need of the hour,” he said.
To a question on emergence of Aam Aadmi Party, Mr. Reddy said “it has come up on the plank of corruption, but has so far not spelt out its other economic or social policies.”
“I don’t think AAP can encroach into Left votes. If they want to join hands with the Left, it is welcome,” Mr. Reddy said.