Shahi Imam reminds UPA government of coming general elections

New Delhi, Jan 18 (UNI) The Shahi Imam of Delhi's Fatehpuri Mosque, Maulana Mufti Mohammad Mukaram Ahmed, today reminded the UPA government of the coming general elections in the country, saying nothing significant had been done for the Muslims so far.

''Four years have passed and only one year is remaining for the next general elections in the country. Minorities, especially Muslims, had hoped for some good decisions but nothing has come out so far,'' he said in a message on the eve of the tenth day (Ashoora) of Muharram.

The Shahi Imam demanded the UPA government to do something practical and concrete from the Muslims like easing rules for them to seek benefits from various schemes.

He said Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil had yesterday stated that the government was looking for ways and means to help the minorities and grant them reservations in education and services but its implementation was becoming difficult due to lack of sufficient trained staff.

''We request him to do justice with minorities.'' The Shahi Imam alleged that Christians were attacked in Orissa and in some other parts of the country, but no action was being taken against the people responsible for such violence.

''These people are undoubtedly communal elements, but neither any ban is imposed on their organisations not they are treated as terrorists,'' he said.

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