Shahi Imam's 'Vote for AAP' diktat: Arvind Kejriwal-led party rejects offer for support

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the Delhi polls, Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday rejected Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari's support offer for the elections. "We reject his offer. We condemn the ideology he stands for her," an AAP leader said.

"Shahi Imam invited Pakistan's PM, but did not invite our own PM. We don't want his support," AAP said. "AAP not only rejects communal politics, but also wants to finish such politics," said Ashish Khetan of AAP.

Earlier in the day, commenting on Imam's offer to support AAP, senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley said, "Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari's diktat to support AAP may backfire."

Talking about Delhi polls, Jaitley said, "Delhi poll is (a contest) between governance and anarchy; AAP is more comfortable on streets than in 'sachivalayas'." "We leave nothing to chance. No matter which elections, we've put our heart and soul into it."

"BJP has put all its might in this election. It is confident of coming in majority," Jaitley said. "Taking liberties with the truth is a political instrument," said Jaitley while hitting out at AAP. "The 49 day rule of AAP was like a nightmare," Jaitley added.

Last year, Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid invited many Indian and foreign leaders for the anointment ceremony of his successor, but left out Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Shahi Imam had even invited Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif. "I have personal equations with Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif," said Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari. Stating that he cannot 'relate' to PM Modi, Bukhari had said, "PM Modi never made an attempt to reach out."

Asked about not inviting the Prime Minister, he had said, "Who is to be invited is up to the person sending out the invites."