Explaining why he appealed to Muslims in Uttar Pradesh to vote against the Samajwadi Party (SP), Syed Ahmed Bukhari, New Delhi’s Jama Masjid’s Shahi Imam, said that Muslims should send out the message that they are under no compulsion to vote for the so-called secular parties. Holding Akhilesh Yadav, the incumbent Chief Minister of UP, responsible for “inaction” towards development of Muslims in the state, Bukhari said that Muslims in UP have been “cheated”.
Contrary to this year’s Legislative Assembly elections, Bukhari in 2012 had asked Muslims to support the SP, but earlier this week, Bukhari appealed to Muslims that they should collectively vote for the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
Speaking to The Sunday Guardian, Bukhari explained why he changed sides this year and said, “In 2012, Mulayam and Akhilesh had come to me to request that I support their party in the upcoming elections. They wanted to discuss with me the cause of the minorities in the state
Asked why he is supporting the BSP, which, too, claims to be a secular party, Bukhari said, “BSP is also a secular party and it is not cheating the minorities. The Dalits and Muslims in UP are two most ignored communities. It is important for both these sects to unite and understand that they cannot allow themselves to be taken for granted. The secular parties think that minorities have no other option but to vote for them, but we should tell them that they are wrong.”
For passing politically motivated statements around polls, Bukhari has been criticised for misusing his position and outreach by SP and Congress ministers. Commenting on his critics, Bukhari said, “The people who I am not supporting today, for them I was a good person back in 2012 because I was standing beside them. I am not claiming who will win or lose. I am a citizen of this country and I am only exercising my right to express my thoughts. I don’t think SP is the party that minorities should be voting in this election.”