Date:14/03/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/03/14/stories/2003031406261100.htm

National

Cong. leader rejects Imam's charges

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI MARCH 13. The senior Congress leader, Ahmad Patel, today joined issue with Ahamad Bukhari, Imam of the Jama Masjid of Delhi.

Reacting to the latter's attack on the party, Mr Patel said ``the outburst mirrors his congenital prejudice against the Congress''.

The inflammatory speeches had contributed to rousing passions and polarising society on communal lines.

If the Imam did introspection he would realise that his speeches had served the cause of communal forces in this country, Mr. Patel said.