In a blow to Akhilesh Yadav government in Uttar Pradesh, SA Bukhari, Imaam of Jama Masjid has urged the Muslims in the state to look for political alternative.
“Samajwadi Party has been cause of frustration for Muslims in the state,” news agency ANI quoted Bukhari as saying.
“I urge Muslims in the state to look for political alternative,” Bukhari added.
Earlier this month, in a move to consolidate the Muslim vote which comprises a significant 19 per cent of the electorate, Samajwadi Party and Congress announced an alliance to keep ‘communal forces’ at bay in the state.
The two parties agreed on a seat sharing formula under which the Congress will contest 105 seats while the SP will battle it out in 298 seats under Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.
“The two parties would form a ‘political and ideological force and challenge divisive politics’ with Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s ideology of empowerment of youth and Akhilesh Yadav’s leadership’, Congress State president Raj Babbar said after an alliance.
SA Bukhari, Imaam of Jama Masjid urges Muslims to look for political alternative in UP, says SP has been cause of frustration for Muslims
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 9, 2017
“The tie-up would usher in a ‘new beginning’ in State and national politics and vowed to throw out communal forces and BJP,” Babbar added.
The state will witness seven-phase polling, starting from February 11. The counting of votes will be held on March 11.
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