Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Secret pact between AGP, AUDF: Bukhari

GUWAHATI, April 21 – Apprehensive of losing out on minority votes with the rise of Asom United Democratic Front (AUDF), the Congress has roped in Maulana Syed Yahya Bukhari, the president of Jama Masjid United Forum. “The AUDF is dividing Muslim votes in the State and I am here on behalf of the Congress to prevent this division,” Maulana Bukhari said here today, winding up his two-phase campaigning in the State.

“Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi invited me to campaign for the Congress party, which is why I am here,” informed Bukhari, while addressing newsmen at a press conference here today.

“I am pretty sure that the AUDF will not win a single seat, at least in the places I have campaigned. And even if it does manages to bag one seat, the Congress will be in no need of the AUDF’s one MP to form government in the Centre,” he added.

The Maulana, refusing to state overtly that the AUDF has indeed eroded Congress vote bank, said, “My assessment of the scenario is that that there is a hidden tie-up between the BJP and AUDF but having said that I can speak with all surety that the Muslim community will vote for the Congress wherever I have campaigned.” He had held meetings in Dhubri, Barpeta, Kaliabor and Guwahati Lok Sabha constituencies, visiting the state in two phases.

“Secularism is very prominent in Assam but a section of the political parties are trying to hamper the existing scenario. I believe that I have been able to convince the minority voters about the benefits of voting for the Congress,” he pointed out.

“The Congress has assured me of a proper rehabilitation for those displaced minorities and I believe them. Poverty is an issue here and the Congress has assured to address those as well,” he stated.

When pointed that other Muslim leaders, particularly of the Jamiat Ulema-e Hind, had refrained from campaigning in Assam, the Maulana said, “The Jamiat is itself a broken house and I see no way of them helping others.” ASSAM TRIBUNE

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