Indian Muslim Council-USA rejects Bukhari’s decision to support the BJP

April 27, 2004

New York, N.Y., Indian Muslim Council-USA, an advocacy group working towards safeguarding India’s pluralist and tolerant ethos, rejected and expressed dismay at the decision of Mr. Ahmed Bukhari to support the BJP in the coming elections.

According to various media reports, Mr. Ahmed Bukhari, Imam of the Jama Masjid in New Delhi, has voiced support for the BJP and has urged Muslims to vote for the BJP in the coming national elections.

Dr. Shaik Ubaid, President of IMC-USA said, "Mr. Bukhari has a knack of making statements that do not reflect the sentiments or interests of the Muslim community. The BJP is complicit in the murders of thousands of innocent Muslims and was responsible for the destruction of the Babri Masjid. Mr. Bukhari’s claims of BJP being a changed party ring hollow when the perpetrators of the Gujarat genocide continue to enjoy political patronage extended by the BJP."

Dr. Ubaid further called on the Indian Muslims to vote according to their local considerations and choose candidates noted for their honesty, integrity and commitment towards peace and communal harmony. He said, "Muslims need to vote for what is best for them, and not what is best for Mr. Bukhari."

Also See:
Delhi’s Shahi Imam backs BJP
NDTV

Minorities deplore Bukhari’s call for support to BJP
The Hindu

When ‘God’s men’ join BJP
Times of India

Behind Masjid walls, brothers at war
The Telegraph

Contact:
M.K.Rahman, Secretary General
Indian Muslim Council-USA
265 Sunrise Highway
1-355 Rockville Center, NY 11570
Tel: (516) 567-0783
E-mail: media@imc-usa.org