By TCN Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid Maulana Syed Ahmed Bukhari succeeded in extracting one extra MLC seat for Muslim from Samajwadi Party (SP) on Thursday.
Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav personally stepped out of his residence at Vikramaditya Marg along with Imam Bukhari to announce that Umar Ali Khan, the son-in-law of Bukhari will file his nomination for MLC seat on Friday. He also announced that Muslim representation in the cabinet will be increased during expansion.
Bukhari who had a spat with cabinet minister Azam Khan arrived at Lucknow and met Mulayam Singh Yadav and CM Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday.
“There were issues related to Muslim representation in the government. They have agreed to give more representation to Muslims. More Muslim DMs/SPs will be posted in districts. Cabinet will have at least five Muslim ministers,” the Imam said after the meeting.
Akhilesh who was standing beside him also stated that the party has agreed to these issues.
“Muslims will be given samman (honor) and their representation will be increased. The MLC seat falling vacant after Mayawati choosing for Rajya Sabha will also be given to Muslim candidate,” he said.
Both the leaders did not utter a single word on Azam Khan.
However, Azam did not sit quietly and fired another salvo at Bukhari’s meeting. “Yeh tou wahi baat hui ki aaye they top ka license leney aur churi lekar chalegey,” he said in a sarcastic tone.
But at least SP has announced it beforehand that one more seat will be given to Muslim candidate.
As of now SP has fielded seven candidates including CM Akhilesh Yadav. Umar Ali Khan will be the eighth candidate. BSP has fielded three candidates and none of them is Muslim. Rashtriya Lok Dal with the support of Congress party has announced one candidate Choudhary Mushtaq Ahmed. BJP is yet to declare its candidates. A total of 13 seats are vacant in the Vidhan Parishad.