By TCN News,
Lucknow: UP cabinet minister Azam Khan and Syed Ahmed Bukhari, Imam of Jama Masjid, Delhi engaged themselves in war of words on Monday also.
Azam Khan and his close loyalist Rajya Sabha MP Munawwar Saleem too arrived in Lucknow and opened a front against Imam Bukhari.
First Azam Khan addressing newsmen at his MLA residence in Darul Shifa stated that Bukhari is an Imam of a big mosque and he has also offered namaz behind him in the past. “But as he has used derogatory language against another Muslim, Munawwar Saleem who also has a beard, it has hurt me a lot. Now Bukhari Saheb is a Muslim inf ront of Allah as he has ridiculed Munawwar for his handicap,” said Azam. He also stated that now muslims should not offer namaz behind him.
Azam lashed out at Bukhari stating that he had taken the ticket for his son-in-law from Behat by threats. “Now he wants ministerial berth for him and Rajya Sabha seat for his brother. He should ponder over his status as his son-in-law has lost the election,” he said.
Azam also stated that he will not bow down and will remain firm on his stand. He also stated that there have been incidents of torching the effigy of Bukhari which he does not appreciate. “But Imam sahib should also think as to why this has happened,” he said.
On the other hand Munawwar Saleem also reached Lucknow and stated that Bukhari sahib has made fun of me and nature of my physical handicap. He stated that such Imams have brought bad repute to the religion and Muslims.
Meanwhile it has been reported that 13 MLAs met Bukhari at Delhi but the information could not be confirmed.
The attack and counter attack is likely to continue for few days till the matter is settled.
SP supremo Mulayam Singh is also in Delhi giving rise to speculation that there may be some talks with Bukhari. Both of them are reported to be in touch on phone. Nothing officially has been confirmed in this aspect by party leaders.