Imam says UPUDF to fight for rights of all, not just Muslims

New Delhi, Jun 12 (UNI) Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, today said the Uttar Pradesh United Democratic Front (UPUDF) had been formed not just to espouse the cause of Muslims, but of all downtrodden and underprivileged classes that had been denied their political rights.

''It is a mainstream political front and not a Muslim grouping and its objective is to fight for the rights of the poor and deprived classes in the country. The fight is between the haves and have nots,'' the Imam said in a statement.

The UPUDF, which comprises several political parties of the state, was open to all communities and classes, he said, adding its purpose was to highlight the problems of the poor and the underprivileged who had suffered due to exploitation by main political parties.

These people have been always used as a vote bank and never given their share in decision making, the Imam said.

The UPUDF meeting was held at Jama Masjid on Saturday and was attended by many prominent persons, including former union minister C M Ibrahim, Mufti Mukarram of the Fatehpuri mosque, former MP Kishori Lal.

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