Bombay Muslim Federation asks Muslims to vote for Arvind Kejriwal

MUMBAI: The Bombay Muslim Federation, an umbrella body of Muslim organisations, has sent 35 of its volunteers to campaign for AAP candidate Arvind Kejriwal among Varanasi's Muslims.

Kejriwal is believed to have become the number one challenger to BJP's PM candidate Narendra Modi in the temple town, leaving behind Congress candidate Ajay Rai.

"Our volunteers tell us Muslim voters are a bit confused and that their votes might split between Kejriwal and Ajay Rai. We appeal to Muslim voters and all secular people in Varanasi to vote for Kejriwal and defeat the communal forces," said BMF president Dawood Khan. He said the 3.5 lakh Muslim votes in Varanasi could play a decisive role.

"Kejriwal symbolises (a) crusade against corruption and communalism and will work honestly for the people of Varanasi. He has endeared himself to many poor weavers in the town," said Imtiyaz Azmi of BMF.

Several other Muslim organisations, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have appealed to Varanasi's Muslim voters not to divide their votes and choose Kejriwal.