Lucknow, Jun 02: Accusing the Congress and Samajwadi Party of treating Muslims as a mere vote bank, Imam Bukhari of Delhi Jama Masjid today called for formation of a political party of the Muslims before the next Lok Sabha elections for safeguarding the interests of the community. Only a Muslim political party can safeguard the interest of the community as the so-called secular parties had failed to do so during the 50 years since independence, Bukhari told reporters here. He was hopeful that such a party would take shape before the next Lok Sabha elections. It is time now for the 25 crore Muslims to demonstrate its political power by coming under one umbrella, he said. He had been making efforts to form a political outfit of the community since the last three years, Bukhari said. A party for Muslims would help ensure the defeat of parties like Congress and Samajwadi party which had worked against the interest of the community.

Reacting to VHP`s `Trishul Diksha` programme and retaliatory measures by some Muslim organisations, he said some people were bent upon whipping up communal frenzy and asked the government to take steps to effectively check them.

Bureau report