BJP complains to EC over Congress ''manipulating fatwa''

New Delhi, Apr 12 (UNI) The BJP today sought to draw the attention of the Election Commission towards a 'fatwa' issued by a Deoband-based Muslim organisation in favour of the Congress, asking its fellow voters to defeat the BJP on religious grounds.

BJP Vice-President Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in his complaint filed before the Election Commission drew its attention towards an appeal in the form of an advertisement that today appeared in an Urdu newspaper published from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

He alleged that the Congress had ''got issued'' the 'fatwa' to garner Muslim votes in Uttar Pradesh on the basis of religion.

The 'fatwa' was issued by 'Kul Hind Olmai Hind' and Shekul Hadis head of Deoband.

This conduct on part of the Congress and individuals who had done it was totally against the provisions of Representation of the People's Act 1951 and the Model Code of Conduct. ''It is against the principles of secularism and tends to spread hatred, illwill and disharmony among various sections of the society in the name of religion,'' he added.

''We request you to take serious note of the 'fatwa' and take suitable action against the Congress Party,'' Mr Naqvi said.

The allegations against the BJP in the 'fatwa' were ''serious and scandelous'' and absolutely ''false'', he said, adding ''since the allegations are absolutely false and provocative in nature, they are totally unwarranted in the present political situation.'' UN MCN HS ND1630