India Muslims for a separate party

Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid Syed Ahmad Bukhari has sought for a separate political party for Muslims saying no party in India is “secular”.

“There is an urgent to form a new political party for the Muslims since all the parties in the country have only cheated the Muslim community till date”, Bukhari told a press conference in Kishenganj district on Monday evening.

Kishenganj, a minority-dominated district is located some 400 km east of the Bihar capital town of Patna.

“Rather than becoming a toy in the hands of political parties, the Muslims must emerge as a powerful political force in the country”, Bukhari said adding it was necessary for their political empowerment and economic strength.

He said no political parties, including the ruling Congress, in India is “secular”, and that none of them are fit enough to get the support of the Muslims.

“Muslims have always been secular. In the last 60 years, they constantly supported the Congress but the latter has always cheated the minority”, he accused.