Congress has ditched Muslims: Bukhari

NEW DELHI - Head cleric of Jama Masjid Syed Ahmad Bukhari Thursday said that he had voted against the Congress as the party had ‘ditched’ the muslims and kept the community ‘in dark’ for the past 60 years.

‘The Congress had promised me that an FIR (first information report) will be lodged in the Batla House case in return for supporting the Congress candidate. But no FIR has been lodged, the community has been ditched. I have voted. I have voted for a secular candidate against Congress since I cannot vote for the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). The Congress and other parties have just used the Muslims,’ Bukhari told IANS.

Two alleged terrorists and a police office were killed in the controversial Batla House gunbattle Sept 19, 2008. Demands for a judicial enquiry have been reiterated time and again by activists and different organisations.

Asked who he would appeal for the muslims to vote for, the Shahi Imam said: ‘I have not made any appeal whom muslims should vote for. Muslims have to decide on their own who is best for them. I will appeal to all muslims to come out and vote because it is the biggest asset to fight in democracy.’

‘For last sixty years political parties have just made promises to the community. We have voted for different parties who have claimed themselves to be secular but in return we have got just negligence. Now, to get their due Muslims need to emerge as a political force,’ he said.