Chidambaram welcomes support from Shahi Imam Bukhari

Chennai: Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Sunday welcomed the support extended by Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari to Congress and claimed the party had the backing of all Muslim bodies.

"I welcome the support extended to our party by the Delhi Imam. Not only he, but all Muslims bodies are extending support to Congress," he told reporters at the airport here.

Bukhari, considered an influential religious leader, had last week appealed to Muslims to support Congress and ensure that secular votes are not divided.

Chidambaram also said he would campaign for all Congress candidates contesting the April 24 Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu.

The minister has so far been focussing on electioneering in Sivaganga constituency, held by him and now allocated to his son Karti.

Continuing his attack on Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for not "criticising Modi or the BJP," he said his accusation that the AIADMK was BJP's "B Team," was getting "proved."