Muslim Democratic Front formed in K'taka

Bangalore, Apr 3: The Karnataka units of the Indian Union Muslim League, Indian National League and Tipu Sultan National Republic Party have come together to form the Muslim Democratic Front to contest the elections to the State Assembly next month.

Disclosing this at a press conference here today, former Rajya Sabha member Abdus Samad Siddiqui said the Front would field its own candidates in about 50 constituencies and align with other like-minded parties for the remaining seats.

Mr Siddiqui, however, ruled out the possibility of having alliance with the Congress and BJP. ''We will not have alliance with both the Congress and BJP, but we may support the JD(S) and other parties if they agree to our conditions''.

He said the Front would come out with its Election Manifesto within two days.

To a question, he said the Front would soon have talks with JD(S) President H D Deve Gowda and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy.

Strongly criticising the Congress, Mr Siddiqui said that since 1952, umpteen number of Commissions and Committees have been set up, but the reports were kept in cold storage. ''Congress is responsible for the plight of Muslims in the country. The plight of Muslims is worser than Dalits,'' he added.

He said a Muslim Convention would be held in the city during the third week of April and Dalit, Backward Classes and other Minorities leaders would be invited to attend the Convention.

UNI