Secularism lives due to Hindus: Bukhari

The convenor of the United Democratic Front and Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Maulana Sayyed Ahmad Bukhari today said that if secularism was surviving in India, it was only because of Hindus and not the political parties.

Talking to mediapersons in Allahabad, the Shahi Imam said the political parties only know how to seek votes of the minorities and other weaker sections of the society but fail to do anything for their welfare.

''It is not the only duty of Muslims to defeat the Bhartiya Janata Party but all the secular parties should come together. Muslims have neither given their votes except in 1989 to BJP nor they would give in future,'' he added.

''UDF is a secular party and the doors are always open for those having faith in secularism.'' he stated.

The Imam further called upon all secular forces to come on one platform to be a viable political power and hoped that one day both the Hindus as well as Muslims would come together for the cause.

He maintained that nobody had the right to attain power by dividing people.

''Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav claims himself to be a '' messiah'' of Muslims, therefore, I want him to show the steps he has taken for the betterment of the community. Has he given proper representation to Muslims in his cabinet or in government services,'' he queried.

Imam Bukhari alleged that a number of Muslims hold important posts in various states and union governments and even the prestigious post of the President but had done nothing for the uplift of the community.

''They worked for their respective parties and remained loyal to their parties.'' he maintained.