Nitish Kumar meets Muslim Intelectuals at Imarat Shariah

PATNA: In an unexpected development, chief minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday held an hour long meeting with Muslim Intelectuals at Imarat Shariah at Phulwarisharif and discussed several issues concerning minorities.

The CM's visit to the revered shrine, which has vast following not only in the state but also outside, it is said, had also some political reasons. After severing ties with the BJP, Nitish is making efforts to woo Muslims on a large scale in favour of JD (U).

The CM was not accompanied by any minister or party leader. He spent about 75 minutes at Imarat Shariah and held in camera meeting with Amir-e-Shariat Hazrat Maulana Syed Nizamuddin and prominent scholar Maaulana Wali Rahmani. Imarat general secretary and State Haj Committee chairman Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi joined them later on.

The CM and the clerics discussed the general situation of the state and expressed concern over the growing incidents of communal tension and clash during the last few months. "The CM was quite worried over the situation and promised that the government would do everything possible to maintain and strengthen communal harmony," a source said and added the CM also sought the help of the Muslim religious leaders in this regard. Nitish also discussed the educational scenario among the Muslims and their economic condition.

Rahmani, a former deputy chairman of Bihar legislative council, who has some grudge against the state government over the educational institutions run by his trust, told the CM about the problems and the CM gave him a positive assurance. The CM was accompanied by his principal secretary Anjani Kumar Singh.

Imarat sources, however, played down the CM's visit, saying he would visit the place often and discuss issues related to the minorities' welfare. But what was surprising was the fact that he did not take any minister or party leader or functionary of any of the various minority bodies with him.

TOI,Patna

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