Shahi Imam warns Samajwadi Party against not fulfilling promises to Muslims

Accusing SP of failing to fulfill "promises" made to Muslims in 2012 assembly elections, Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid Maulana Ahmad Bukhari on Tuesday warned the party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav that it may have to taste defeat in 2017 polls if it doesn't deliver.

"SP has made 16 main promises for Muslims for their economic, social and educational upliftment in 2012 assembly polls. Unfortunately, after three years these promises are not met," Bukhari said in the letter. The party has neither taken any action on recommendations made by Sachar Committee, Rangnath and Nimesh Commissions, nor has it appointed any Urdu knowing person despite making an announcement to make Urdu second state language.

He said that due to party's attitude towards Muslims, resentment is brewing and it could affect political prospects of the party in 2017 assembly polls. Bukhari said that organising special camps in Muslim dominated areas for recruitment of Muslims in security forces was promised but no progress had been made in this regard.

Similarly, no step has been taken to withdraw terrorism charges on innocent Muslim youths, as promised by the party. Expressing anguish for not taking any initiative on court order, acquitting 16 PAC personnel in Hashimpura case, Bukhari said that Muslim community is disappointed with the party over SP government's role in Muzaffarnagar riots which maligned the image of both the party and its government.