New Delhi, October 30
Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari today triggered a controversy by inviting Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as well as political leaders in India but not Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the anointment ceremony of his son on November 22.

Bukhari said: “I have personal relations with Sharif and have invited him on personal level for my son Naib Imam’s anointment. This is my personal business and should not be taken politically.”

Accusing Modi of doing nothing for Muslims even after coming to power, he said: “Modi has not been able to win the confidence of Muslims who have not yet forgotten 2002 Gujarat riots. He has not even apologised (for the riots) and reached out to Muslims. I have ideological differences with Modi ji, not personal. Anointing of Naib Imam is a public function.”

Justifying his decision, Bukhari said: “It is not a personal fight. He does not like us and we do not like him. Modi has always kept the Muslims at a distance.”

He said that during elections Modi had said “sab ka saath sab ka vikas” which was nowhere visible even after four months of the government formation. “Before leaving for the US, Modi had said Muslims are faithful to the country. They do not need his certificate for being faithful. They were and will remain faithful,” he said.

Reacting to Bukhari’s decision, BJP national spokesperson Nalin Kohli said: “He is raising questions on himself. Indian Muslims are born in India and they love India. They would never ever think of Pakistan. What message Shahi Imam wants to send out?”

19-year-old Shaban, who is pursuing Bachelors in Social Work at a private university, will be anointed the Naib Shahi Imam (Vice Imam) at a ceremony in Jama Masjid which is expected to be attended by religious leaders, including some from abroad.