After ending relations with Samajwadi Party (SP), Shahi Imam Delhi Jama Masjid Syed Ahmad Bukhari had kept the doors open for other political parties to maximize his Political bargain.
An 11 member assessment committee constituted by Bukhari had been meeting leaders of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Trinamool Congress (TMC), Congress and recently met Rashtriye lok Dal (RlD) leaders. After the meetings, committee will submit report till March 30, followed by final meeting of committee members on March 31.
"Members of our delegation met the leaders of TMC to know about their stand on Muslim issues including reservation, education employment and representation. We have got positive response from the party but final decision is yet to be taken by the committee comprising Muslim clerics and intellectuals," said Bukhari while talking to The Pioneer.
Due to ongoing bad relations with SP in the state, the committee members including Anees Jamaee and Bukhari’s younger brother, Tariq Bhukari met BSP leader, Naseemuddin Siddiqui on March 10. In that two hours long meeting, duo raised many Muslim issues with Siddiqui and tried to know the stand of BSP towards Muslim issues. Interestingly, BSP has fielded many Muslim candidates from Western part of the state.
After meeting, BSP leader gave statement that Shahi Imam has tendered unconditional support to his party in Uttar Pradesh. "No such decision had been taken till now it will be decided on March 31 after meeting of assessment committee. We have not received any written reply from BSP leadership so far," said Bukhari.
He shared that before becoming an ally, apart from positive response on Muslim issues, BSP will have to promise that in any circumstances it will not join the camps of BJP led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as in past BSP made government by joining hands with BJP.
Keeping in mind about major Muslim population living in western part of state, Bukhari and his committee met RlD Chief Ajit Singh and presented their demands in return of extending support in lok Sabha Elections. As per sources, on Tuesday Jayant Chaudhary was likely to visit Bhukari in Delhi.
Three members of Cleric’s assessment committee had meeting with Congress leader, Ahmed Patel who is Political advisor to Congress President, Sonia Gandhi. In the meeting, delegation apprised about non-implementation of minority related schemes, condition of Maulana Azad Education Foundation and especially release of innocent Muslim Youths implicated on false terror charges.