Bukhari's UDF and PDF in touch for 2007 assembly polls

Lucknow, Aug 31 (UNI) Two prominent Muslim organisations, People's Democratic Front (PDF) and Delhi Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Ahmad Bukhari-led Uttar Pradesh United Democratic Front (UPUDF) are in touch to work out a formula before the 2007 assembly polls.

PDF general secretary and All India Muslim Forum (AIMF) president Nehaluddin told UNI here both the Fronts had been holding talks to arrive at a settlement, without compromising on their principles.

Both Fronts claim to champion the cause of the minorities in the state, especially in view of the forthcoming polls.

However, Mr Nehaluddin vociferously denied a recent media report, that the PDF and UPUDF were heading for merger, and that there were major differences among the constituencts of PDF.

''This is absolutely baseless and Mr Arshad Khan, the PDF member, who spread this canard, has been expelled from the Front,'' he added.

Mr Khan is also the leader of Nationalist Loktantrik Party (NLP).

The PDF general secretary maintained the NLF leader was shown the door, since he had acted against the PDF principles.

Addressing a news conference here yesterday, Mr Nehaluddin said activity of the UDF were gaining ground in the state and it was getting popular with the minorities and downtrodden alike.

PDF is a political front chaired by Maulana Abul Irfan Firangi Mahali. Earlier, eminent Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawwab had relinquished the post of PDF chairman. However, he remains with the Front, comprising seven constituencts, as chief patron.

Meanwhile, Maulana Abul Ifran observed that politics and religion could co-exist to ensure better governance.

''If religion keeps tap on politics, the moral values are upheld by the governments and it is the people, especially the poors, who benefit in the process,'' he added.

However, he criticised the BJP for ''pursuing'' the politics of division under the garb of religion.

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