Arun Jaitley says Congress desperate for support from Shahi Imam's

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley on Sunday criticised the Congress for making Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid appeal to the Muslims, calling them to vote for Congress in the upcoming elections.

On Friday appealed to the Muslims to vote for the Congress.

This came days after Congress President Sonia Gandhi met with a Muslim delegation led by Bukhari, pitching to help nurture the cause of "secularism", which however gathered powerful dissenting voices and much criticism.

Jaitley, who is contesting from Amritsar, said people dislike such decrees made by religious leaders.

"People do not like things like this. People will not go for voting on basis of this fatwa (religious decree); instead it will produce counter reactions. Since their (Congress) situation in the country is getting worse, they have desperate tactics," said Jaitley.

Gandhi's meeting with Bukhari created a furore in the political circles as it was widely commented that she was trying to gather votes on secular basis. The appeal by Bukhari was also considered as a fatwa.

Meanwhile, Jaitley's key opponent from Amritsar constituency, Congress leader Captain Amarinder Singh met him during the morning stroll. The leaders exchanged greetings and shook hands.

"I am having a breakfast meeting today morning. So I thought before the breakfast meeting I will come for a walk so that I can meet people," said Singh.