Muslims pray for Mahajan's recovery

Mumbai, Apr 26 (UNI) Scores of Muslims today offered prayers for the early recovery of senior BJP leader Pramod Mahajan, who has been battling for life at Hinduja hospital here since Saturday when he was shot point-blank at his Worli residence here, allegedly by his younger brother Pravin.

Tugging at 'chadar' (cloth sheet) spread in the makeshift 'pandal' set up by the BJP adjacent to the hospital wall, they offered prayer for his speedy recovery.

Maulana Khurshid Jamal Noorie, who led the prayer, described Mr Mahajan as ''a leader of substance filled with wisdom and humility.'' He said ''the country needs such political leaders to steer it towards development and harmony.'' Hindu workers and sympathisers at the 'pandal' also joined the Muslims in offering prayers.

Earlier, a group of Muslims today held a special 'namaz' at a mosque in Jeejamata Nagar in the city, praying for speedy recovery of Mr Mahajan, according to BJP activist Jurugam Khan.

BJP's city Minority Morcha president S Haidar Azam said Muslims across Mumbai and Maharashtra are offering prayers for the early recovery of their leader. He said a special prayer meeting was also held at the 'dargah' of Hazarat Maqqadum Shah.

Ms Praveen Ansari, an ardent supporter of the 56-year-old grievoulsy wounded BJP leader, said she will offer a Rs 21,000 'chadar' at Ajmer Sharif dargah once Mr Mahajan recovers from Hinduja hospital, where his condition continues to be critical but stable, on the fifth day today.

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