Muslim outfit challenges Mulayam's pro-Muslim slant
Lucknow, July 11 (UNI) People's Democratic Front (PDF), an outfit of Muslim leaders including shia cleric Kalbe Jawwad, today questioned the pro-Muslim ''rhetoric'' of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav claiming the latter's announcement would remain on papers only.
''We seriously doubt the secular credentials of the Samajwadi Party and its government...most of its promises with regard to minorities are likley to draw flak,'' PDF general secretary Nehaludding told reporters here.
PDF, which has already declared its political interests in coming assembly elections, he said it would take up issue of reservation for poor and backward Muslims within 27 per cent quota in a big way.
Mr Nehaludding said it was high time that Muslims stopped looking up to Mr Yadav for their welfare, ''as it will never happen.'' ''PDF is a true sympathiser of the minority and will remain with them for ever, unlike many political parties which have always used them for electoral purposes,'' he added.
Clarifying about the meeting of PDF chairman Mr Jawwad with Mr Yadav, he said nothing political should be read into it as only religious issues were discussed during the meeting.
Resolving to take along all like minded parties with the PDF, Mr Nehaludding said the support of Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid in New Delhi would be welcomed in the larger interests of the minorities.
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