By Fasial Fareed, TwoCircles.net,
Lucknow: Several Muslim clerics will embark upon a journey, ‘Karwan-e-Ulema’ targeting Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in assembly elections while campaigning for Mulayam Singh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party (SP) in the elections.
The Karawan-e-Ulema will start its journey with nearly 54 clerics from Moradabad on January 28. Prior it a convention will be held on January 27 to highlight the anti-Muslims face of BSP government.
“We have taken the decision to campaign against BSP during the election because the BSP government cheated the Muslims and did little for the welfare of the community” said spokesperson, Shameel Shamsi.
The clerics also categorically decried cabinet minister Naseemuddin Siddiqui stating that he too had let down the community and did not take any step for the welfare of the community.
“Our main aim is that BSP candidates should lose in the elections even if they are Muslims. We will not try to divide the Muslim votes in the elections. We will campaign directly for SP candidates” said Shameel.
Over why they will be supporting Mulayam led SP. “Mulayam’s role during Babri Masjid issue is unquestionable. His stand post Babri Masjid verdict is also commendable. He boosted the confidence and morale of the Muslim community. Welfare schemes for the Muslims were also implemented during his regime, so we are supporting him,” said Maulana Tasneem Mehndi, the general secretary of Karawan-e-Uleman.
Lashing out at the BSP, the clerics alleged that their demand for giving a piece of land in Lucknow for a Muslim girl’s college was turned down by Mayawati. “She gave our mosque land to Handicapped University but only Rs five crores as alms for Urdu Arbi Farsi University. It reflects the anti-Muslim attitude of BSP,” said Shameel.