Mulayam 'defends' Azam by citing Muslims who "saved borders"

Unnao, Apr 24: Samajwadi Party supremo

today seemed to defend party leader Mohd

on his controversial remark over Kargil war by making a reference to contribution of

in "saving Indian borders".

Citing the example of martyr 'Abdul Hamid', Yadav said in an an election rally, "There is contribution of Muslims in saving Indian borders. In 1965 Indo-Pak war Abdul Hameed had played a crucial role...When we say it, nothing happens...But when Azam talks on this matter, a lot of hue and cry is being raised". Azam, who has been banned by the Election Commission from campaigning for his provocative speech, had earlier during a rally in Ghaziabad said that "Kargil was won by Muslim soldiers".

There is contribution of Muslims in development, That cannot be overlooked:Yadav

Yadav also said that the contribution of Muslims in development of India could not be ignored. "Who used to make Banarasi sarees, jewelleries, brass utensils...All by muslims..There is contribution of Muslims in development and that cannot be overlooked," he said.

Drawing attention to the Sachar Committee report that found that the condition of Muslims was "not good" and they are "backward", Yadav alleged that nothing concrete had been done for them. Asking people to unite to fight against communalism, Yadav claimed only SP could stop BJP from its communal agenda.

"Those responsible for riots in Gujarat are in the fray and they should be defeated...SP had been fighting against communalism and only this party could stop BJP...We will not let them spread their communal agenda", Yadav said.

PTI