By RINA,
New Delhi: Though there are scanty personal preferences and opinions about political parties and candidates but in general Ulema are shying away from issue any general directive for Indian Muslims regarding approaching parliamentary elections.
“No party is sympathetic towards Muslims. Promises are made in election manifestos but Muslims are tyrannized for four and a half years instead of being delivered what has been delivered”, the Imam of Delhi’s Shahi Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmad Bukhari said,
“Not even a single party is truly secular. No announcement in favour of any political party will be issued this year from Jame’ Masjid” he added.
Incidentally, Ahmad Bukhari has appealed to vote for former film actress and parliamentarian, Jaya Prada. But he vehemently opposed Mulayam Singh saying,
“Earlier, he inducted Sashi Maharaj and Pratyap Singh Saini on the plea that it will weaken Bharatiya Janata Party. This time he befriended Kalyan Singh on the same plea” he said.
Dissected Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind has also not issued ant general appeal though the two leaders are hinting at their choices. Maulana Arshad Madani, traditionally allied with Congress Party, is likely to toe the same line, whereas Maulana Mahmood Madani has appealed in favour of Bahujan Samaj Party in Uttar Pradesh. His brother Maudood Madani has already joined the party.
Weeks ago, Mulayam Singh had a hard time convincing Deoband Ulema about Kalyan Singh episode. The situation has hardly changed any more. So far Darul Uloom Deoband is concerned; its Mohtamim Maulana Marghoobur Rahman has plainly refused to issue any appeal or advisory note on behalf of the institution, arguing that it is an apolitical institution.
However, Maulna Marghoob’s personally advised, “Muslims should vote for their favourite candidates independently.”
Syed Ahmad Bukhari also expressed similar opinion, “People are conscious. They themselves should decide which way they want to go.”
He said in paternalistic tone, “Muslims should decide on their future instead of chasing political parties. They themselves should become a political force and they will have to do this if not today, then, tomorrow.”