Muslim leader Syed Ahmed Bukhari Friday announced his support for the Congress in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.
"I had a detailed discussion with (Congress president) Sonia Gandhi on various issues related to Muslims. I announce my support for the Congress for the general elections," Bukhari, the Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid mosque in Delhi, told reporters.
He said that it is not a diktat but an appeal to Muslims to vote for the Congress.
The Shahi Imam asked Muslims to vote for the Trinamool Congress too.
"In Bengal, the Trinamool Congress has done work for Muslims. It can be hoped that Mamata Banerjee will protect Muslims," he added.
"We will support all allies of the Congress including the RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal)," he added.
"I have complaints against Congress, but that doesn't mean we will vote for people who want to divide the country," he added.
Bukhari accused the Samajwadi Party of Mulayam Singh Yadav of betraying Muslims.
"Voting for the SP and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will be a waste," he added.
"Nation faces danger from communal forces. We should ensure secular votes are not divided," he added.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app