Azam Khan on Madani: Unfortunate that religious people are following path of 'greed'

Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan on Wednesday criticised Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Hind chief Syed Mehmood Madani for his recent remarks against the Congress, and said India's secular Constitution should be the guide of every pillar of society.

"Our Constitution is based on secularism-that is, equal to all religions. There is no place for different treatment under the law based on religion. This is not a country guided on religion. It is a country guided by its Constitution. Everybody is equal; everybody has an equal right to live. Therefore, if anyone speaks against the Constitution, then, at least, the Uttar Pradesh government does not support it," Khan said.

"For us, a person with one seat is as important as the prime minister. ...They should think for themselves about the path they are showing society-on one side, there is fear, (and) on the other, is manipulation and greed. So, we feel bad when religious people who follow a path of truth on a daily basis, are also indulging in greed," he added.

Madani had earlier accused the Congress Party of fanning fears about Narendra Modi, the BJP's prime ministerial candidate, but later said he had been misquoted.

The Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Hind chief also refused to comment on whether he endorsed Modi.

"Why do you want me to say this right now? There is still time for elections," he said.

Speaking at a conference on the demand for reservation for Muslims at Jaipur's Birla Auditorium, Madani had said: "The Muslim community should not be scared. Secularism is deep-rooted in the country and communal forces can never win over the hearts of general public."

"Congress should not try to get Muslim votes by creating fear about somebody. The party should look at possibilities of community welfare which they have not done so far," he added.