Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal’s visit to Bareilly seeking support from Muslim cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections has sparked controversy.
Khan, who recently assured support to AAP after a two-hour long meeting with Kejriwal, is known for his hardliner fundamentalist views and had announced Rs 5 lakh cash prize to anyone who would behead Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen and Rs 1 crore for assassinating former US President George Bush some years ago.
Reportedly, Khan assured of supporting AAP and addressing public meetings in the Capital favouring AAP after party chief Kejriwal, soliciting support for elections, gave his word that he won’t extend support to anyone in the Government formation after elections.
This move by Kejriwal has drawn severe criticism from BJP leader Subramanian Swamy who alleged that AAP was working hand-in-glove with the Congress. While addressing a Press conference in the Capital, he said, “The act of AAP has exposed its real intentions.” Swamy also alleged that the party was in cahoots with the Congress. “Kejriwal recently met Bareilly cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan who had favoured killing ex-US President George Bush and Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen. It is a well-known fact that their leaders support the idea of handing over Kashmir to Pakistan and espouse the cause of Maoists. This is an example of all the anti-national elements coming together,” Swamy added.
Reacting to Kejriwal’s “controversial” visit to Bareilly, Delhi Congress Spokesperson Jitendra Kochar also said, “He (Kejriwal) is contesting in Delhi polls but is seeking support from outside. It is bizarre.”
However, in a Press statement issued by AAP, the party clarified its stand saying that it is not trying to target any particular religion or person and Kejriwal met Khan because he was associated with the dargah he visited in Bareilly. “We are meeting people belonging to all religions. We visit temples, mosques, churches and gurdwaras to meet everyone,” said Kejriwal, adding he was not aware of the fatwa was issued by the cleric.