BJP condemns Shahi Imam's comments against PM Modi

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday condemned the comments made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, saying Syed Ahmed Bukhari needs to introspect his message.

"If the reports are true then it is condemnable. What kind of message is he sending? Prime Minister Narendra Modi is Prime Minister of India, of every Indian, which includes those who are born in India and who swear by the Constitution of India," BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli told ANI here.

The BJP leader also lashed out at Bukhari for extending an invitation to Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for the anointment ceremony of his successor while leaving out Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"By sending such a message to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, is he not raising questions on himself? Indian Muslims are born in India and they love India, they would never ever think of Pakistan as their first thing. What kind of message is Shahi Imam sending? He needs to reflect on it," Kohli said.

"He is perhaps looking to be a more political person and send a political message," he added.

Bukhari, who recently named his 19-year-old son Shaban Bukhari as his successor, has sent out invitations to several Indian and foreign political leaders, nearly 1,000 religious leaders from across the world for the ceremony.

Bukhari, who has not invited Narendra Modi to the event, had earlier alleged that the Indian Muslims have still not been able to relate themselves with the Prime Minister.

The Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid has, however, invited several central ministers including Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Dr. Harsh Vardhan.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi are also expected to attend the event along with several other leaders including Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

Bukhari has been holding the post since 2000.