BSP terms Shahi Imam Bukhari's criticism of party ‘strange’

Lucknow: BSP on Friday termed Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Ahmed Bukhari's support to Congress and criticism of BSP as "strange", even as it welcomed his declaration that secular forces need not support Samajwadi Party.

"The record so far of Congress and SP in safeguarding the life and property as well as religious affairs of Muslims is hopeless whereas that of BSP has been exceptionally good," the party said in a statement issued here.

Citing efforts taken by BSP to bring Muslims in the mainstream during its rule in the state, the party said it is time that Bukhari and Muslim community realised that for the benefit of 'sarv samaj' it is necessary to support BSP in the Lok Sabha polls which can check BJP.

The Congress is incapable of checking BJP. Otherwise, it (BJP) would not have returned to power in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan besides in Gujarat, BSP said.

"Specially in UP, it is only the BSP which can defeat BJP. So all secular parties should extend their full support to it as regretting later would not serve any purpose," it said.