Mulayam should sack Azam Khan from SP, says Bukhari

Accuses Khan of playing vote bank politics with the Muslims

Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari, who was detained here to prevent him from visiting riot-hit Muzaffarnagar, on Wednesday said Mulayam Singh Yadav should sack UP Minister Azam Khan from Samajwadi Party as he had "nothing to do with the people."

Bukhari claimed that Khan had nothing to do with people and "Muslims hate the SP leader and don't like him."

Samajwadi Party should not give him importance and sack him immediately, he said.

"Khan does not have the support of even four Muslims in the state...He is responsible for Muzaffarnagar violence," Bukhari told reporters here.

Accusing Khan of playing vote bank politics with the Muslims, Bukhari said that he was looking after more than ten government departments, but "has not benefited Muslim community so far."

Due to Khan's behaviour, tension has mounted in the state, he said, adding the state government has not fulfilled the expectation of Muslims.

"We supported Samajwadi Party in the state elections, but it has not fulfilled our expectations after coming to power. Law and order situations has deteriorated," Bukhari added.

"I wanted to visit riot-affected areas in Muzaffarnagar and meet the victims and their families. Government should take strict action against the guilty," said Bukhari.

After being detained, Bukhari was taken to Vasundra PWD Guest house by the city police.