Azam Khan to Syed Ahmed Bukhari: Reconsider decision to extend support to Congress

RAMPUR: Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan has urged Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari to reconsider his decision to support Congress, saying his appeal to Muslims could divide the community.

"By an appeal favoring a faint Congress, the strength of the Muslim community or electorate will be fractured and that position would be beneficial for communal forces like BJP," the minister said in a statement yesterday. Bukhari had yesterday appealed to Muslims to support the Congress and ensure that secular votes are not divided.

Azam said "under present circumstances when the country's reins are feared to be grabbed by the communal forces.I appeal you (Imam) to seriously reconsider your appeal and also not to issue any such appeal which might affect the honor of the Jama Masjid adversely due to shattering of Muslim's oneness."

He said since Imam was holding a very responsible position in the Islamic religious world, it is inevitable that from his side only the messages strengthening national unity should be issued.