Lucknow, June 18: Raising a banner of revolt, a Samajwadi Party MLA today said the party was anti-Muslim and its atmosphere was stifling. "Party leadership should take lessons from Bahujan Samaj Party leadership, which is in true sense a real well-wisher of the Muslims," Mashhood Khan, the first time MLA from Tulsipur in Balrampur district, told reporters here.

Khan, however, said he would not leave party and during show of strength would support SP. "I have taken up the cudgel to cleanse the party... I am holding this press conference so that real picture of the party could reach masses," Khan said, adding he had spoken to senior leaders a number of times but his pleas were ignored.

Khan's anti-party stance came to light after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's recent statement that around two dozen SP MLAs were in touch with her.

"There are many legislators who were feeling suffocated in the party," Khan said without giving their numbers. "These legislators will decide themselves when to air their grievances," he added

He said feudalism and dynasticism prevail in the party and by joining hands with Kalyan Singh, the main architect of Babri Masjid demolition and sharing dais with Shakshi Maharaj, the SP leadership had played with the sentiments of Muslims, he added.

Khan said the party was staging demonstrations in favour of Raghuraj Pratap Singh, alias Raja Bhaiya, known mafia don ignoring the pleas of thousands who had suffered at his hands. Bureau Report