Jamat-e-Islami Hind, the biggest Muslim socio-religious organization in the country, has announced its support to the Congress in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh.
However, in some constituencies, it extended support to Left and other parties, citing "the clean image of candidates".
Significantly, Jamat has not declared its stand for the Hyderabad Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies which have traditionally been a stronghold of another Muslim political party Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM). The Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency witnesses a direct fight between two Muslim candidates Asaduddin Owaisi of MIM and Zahid Ali Khan of the TDP.
State chief of JIH Malik Moatasim Khan said Jamat would support the Congress in 267 of the 294 Assembly constituencies and 37 of the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies. "We appeal to all the electorate to exercise their franchise in accordance with the guidance of the Jamat", he said.
"We have decided to support secular candidates who are capable of defeating the communal and fascist elements and who have shown sincerity and seriousness in implementing our nine-point People's Manifesto," the Jamat Chief said.
Jamat has extended its support to the Left in some constituencies, lauding their stand against the US imperialism and capitalist economic policies.
Jamat said it will support N Narasimhaia of CPM in Bhongir Lok Sabha constituency and Araku constituency. It has announced the support to Muslim candidates of different parties in different Lok Sabha constituencies Syed Yusuf Ali of TRS in Zaheerabad and N Mohammed Farooq in Nandyal.
"We are also supporting candidates of the weaker sections in several constituencies to increase their representation in the Parliament and the Assembly," Malik Moatasim Khan said.
In Kukatpally Assembly constituency, Jamat will support Jayprakash Narayan of Lok Satta as he is also advocating a clean and value based politics.
