NCP takes a dig at Cong for seeking Bukhari support

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday expressed its strong reservation against attempts by political parties to woo religious leaders. The statement came after Shahi Imam Ahmed Bukhari declared his support to the Congress in the general elections.

"Political parties feel they can benefit in terms of votes by approaching religious leaders. Similarly, religious leaders feel they can benefit as well, but this is not true in either way and this isn't proper. This should not happen," said NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik, during an interaction with mediapersons here.

Bukhari does wield much influence among Muslims. “He had earlier supported the Samajwadi Party (SP) and also created Atal Himaayat Manch for the BJP," Malik said.

The Imam could not be taken seriously, he added.

Political parties, including the Bahujan Samaj Party and SP, have already decried Bukhari’s  move.

Interestingly, National Ulema Council President Maulana Aamir Rashdi also criticised Bukhari for marking “the haazri (attendance) in Sonia Gandhi’s durbaar”.