Congress MP from Saharanpur, Imran Masood, has launched a broadside against former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of ignoring issues crucial to the Muslim community during his party's election campaigns in Delhi.
“Kejriwal has remained silent on several incidents affecting the Muslim community,” Masood said while speaking to IANS.
He was silent on Jahangirpuri riots, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) protests, the release of Bilkis Bano’s rapists, and the controversy over a party leader allegedly insulting the Quran. His party acts only when it senses potential vote banks," Masood told IANS.
Earlier at a press conference on Thursday, Kejriwal criticised the BJP for its inability to ensure public safety, in view of the tragic stabbing of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his residence in Bandra but did not talk about the interests of Muslims in Delhi, Masood alleged.
Masood, however, condemned the sanction to prosecute Kejriwal in the excise policy case, saying, "This is a direct attack on democracy in our country."
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) earlier approved to prosecute him and his former deputy, Manish Sisodia, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in the case.
Responding to Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav's declaration of support for AAP in the Delhi elections, Masood remarked, “It is his party’s decision. Only he can explain his stance. But he should also clarify if this means he does not want Congress’ support in Uttar Pradesh. Let us not forget, that we won 43 seats in UP on the strength of the Congress and Rahul Gandhi's leadership.”
Earlier, Akhilesh Yadav at a press conference clarified his party’s support for AAP, saying that it did not signal an opposition to Congress. “Our strategy has always been clear -- the AAP is the party actively fighting in Delhi. The foundation of the INDIA Bloc was for regional parties to assert their strength where they have significant influence,” Yadav stated.
Manipur Police arrest 11 militants, recover large cache of arms, ammunition
The Manipur Police arrested 11 militants belonging to various banned outfits and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition during the past 24 hours, officials said here on Friday.
PM Modi unveils 21-point action plan at 6th BIMSTEC Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday presented a comprehensive 21-point action plan during the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, laying out an ambitious road map for cooperation across diverse sectors.
ED raids multiple premises of 'Empuraan' producer Gokulam Gopalan
Amid the controversy surrounding Malayalam film ‘Empuraan’ starring superstar Mohanlal, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted raids at multiple premises linked to film’s producer Gokulam Gopalan.
SC declines PIL seeking restriction of social media platforms for kids below 13 years
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent judicial intervention to regulate access to social media platforms for children below 13 years of age.
BIMSTEC Summit: PM Modi, Yunus meet amid strained ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a bilateral meeting with Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladeshi interim government, on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.
Rupee strengthens against dollar amid Trump's reciprocal tariffs
The Indian rupee witnessed sharp gains on Friday at below 85 against dollar, as the dollar index and oil prices dropped sharply amid concerns over recession in the US economy after the reciprocal tariffs were announced.
Quad to send $20 million relief support to earthquake-ravaged Myanmar
Quad members Australia, India, Japan, and the United States on Friday collectively committed over $20 million in humanitarian assistance to support the relief efforts for the earthquake-devastated Myanmar.
'Waqf Bill will benefit Muslims, no threat to religious sites,' says Shahabuddin Razvi
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, the National President of All India Muslim Jamaat, expressed his support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, stating that it would significantly benefit Muslims and ensure the betterment of their socio-economic conditions.