Mulayam tries to woo Muslims

Bulandshahr, Apr 6 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav today asserted that the rights of Muslims could not be denied till he was at helm.

Addressing an election meeting here, Mr Yadav observed that the rights of Muslims were legitimate and he would go to any extent to protect them.

''Only SP is the true well-wisher of the minorities in UP. The rights of Muslims would not be allowed to wither,'' he maintained.

The CM also announced that if he returned to power, all the Muslims schools would be accorded government recognition.

Besides, the SP supremo announced that Harijan Act would be promulgated and farmers given additional benefits in respect of irrigational water, fertiliser, power and compensation in event of drought, flood and fire incidents.

''If needed their (farmers) loans would also be waived off.'' Promising to usher in speedy development if he forms the next government, Mr Yadav said his regime had pledged Rs 26,000 crore for development purposes.

UNI