Shahi Imam backs Cong

In a boost to Congress, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari today appealed to Muslims to support the party in the Lok Sabha polls to "strengthen secularism", saying communalism is a "bigger threat" to the nation than corruption.
Bukhari, considered an influential religious leader, appealed to Muslims to support Congress and ensure that secular votes are not divided, days after his meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi sparked a row.
He also announced supporting Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and all allies of Congress including RJD in Bihar.
"For the coming Lok Sabha elections, I announce support for the Congress. We have to fight unitedly against communal forces," he said at a press conference here.

Muslims account for around 15 per cent of the 814 million voters in the the country and play a crucial role in deciding electoral outcome of various constituencies in a number of states including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Assam.
Bukhari said though the Muslim community has grievances against Congress, still a decision to support the party was taken as the "country cannot be allowed to go to the communal forces".

"The nation faces danger from communal forces. We should ensure secular votes are not divided," the Imam said.
Asked about corruption charges during the 10 year rule of the UPA, he said that "communalism is a bigger threat to the country than corruption and communal forces are working day in and day out to break the country."

Replying to a question on his stand on AAP, he said Arvind Kejriwal never considered communalism an important issue.
"Two years ago when he sat on dharna, then also he spoke only about corruption. Corruption will not end in the world in the next 100 years," Bukhari said.
Following the meeting between Bukhari and Gandhi, the BJP had accused the Congress chief of communalising politics and said it was case of violation of the model code of conduct.
In the press conference, Bukhari also slammed Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party.