PDF resolves to fight for Muslims cause

Lucknow, June 4 (UNI) Announcing to contest around 150 seats in the coming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, newly floated Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) -- comprising Muslim ulemas and clerics -- today resolved to fight for the uplift of the community.

In its first conference here attended by clerics and ulemas from different parts of the state, PDF chief and shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawwad alleged that all the parties had misused Muslims for vote bank politics and had done nothing for the community.

He said poll alliance would be forged with ''like-minded'' parties except the BJP in the coming assembly polls.

''We have identified about 150 seats in Uttar Pradesh, where the PDF can emerge a major force due to the large number of minority votes in these constituencies,'' the Maulana claimed.

In the meeting, a council of 40 members has been constituted to look into issues related to Muslims.

Maulana Jawwad also criticised a section of Muslim leaders, who had opposed the Front saying the clerics and ulemas should engage themselves in religious matters.

''No one has the right to dictate terms to us, when we are trying to do some good for the society,'' he said.

He, however, refused comment on the parallel meeting of the PDF to be held in New Delhi, organised by Shahi Imam Ahmed Bhukari of Jama Masjid. ''I will not attend that meeting, as I shall be busy with some other programme,'' he noted.

The meeting also decided to hold state-level PDF conferences at Kaiserganj, Bhariach on June 20 and Saraimir, Azamgarh on June 22.

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