This Article is From Feb 13, 2015

UP Minister Azam Khan Hits Out at Governor Over 'Negative Views' About Him

UP Minister Azam Khan Hits Out at Governor Over 'Negative Views' About Him

FILE photo: Uttar Pradesh Urban Development Minister and senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan

Lucknow:

Senior Samajwadi Party leader and Uttar Pradesh Minister Azam Khan has hit out at Governor Ram Naik, alleging that his "continued negative views" about him have created a sense of fear among Muslims.

In a four-page letter addressed to the Governor on Wednesday, Mr Khan, the most prominent Muslim face of his party, wrote, "The continued negative views expressed by you against me have led to a lot of fear among the weak, minority community, especially Muslims, as they believe that I myself and Muslim society might be harmed because of it."

The letter followed media reports of the Governor expressing displeasure over the allotment of a building in Rampur - the constituency of Mr Khan - to the latter's trust at an annual rate of Rs 100 for 33 years. Mr Khan defended the state government's move, saying the building was meant for a school for poor children as part of his proposal to utilise old, unused buildings for educational purposes.

"I am associated with a political party and it is essential that I come out in defence of the party and the government if you make a statement which is damaging for them," he said in the letter.

Referring to the Governor's statements on Ayodhya dispute and Ram Temple, the minister said it was his constitutional duty to honour the Governor but "the Governor's views were politically motivated and hurt the sentiments of minorities".

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