Mufti Board of Varanasi Says Vote for Arvind Kejriwal

Varanasi: A day before election in Varanasi, a clerics' body has extended support to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Arvind Kejriwal. In a written appeal, the Mufti Board of Varanasi has asked voters to press the button against the symbol of Mr Kejriwal's party, the broom. (Last Phase of Lok Sabha Polls Tomorrow; All Eyes on Varanasi)

After a meeting today, the board said in a statement, "Votes should be cast on broom election symbol to ensure victory of Arvind Kejriwal in this election." (Read the Mufti Board's Statement)

Mufti Board Benaras Secretary Maulana Haseem Ahmad Habibi and the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Badshahbagh said, "Mr Kejriwal is an honest man and therefore we have decided to support him". (Varanasi Turns into Fortress for the Blockbuster Battle)

Mr Kejriwal is contesting against BJP's Narendra Modi and Ajay Rai of Congress in Varanasi where Muslims account for about 18 per cent of total electorate of close to 16 lakh. (The Varanasi Rush. A-Listers Campaign One Last Time.)

Mukhtar Ansari, the jailed mafia don who heads the Qaumi Ekta Manch, has backed Mr Rai in this election.

Separately, Shahar-e-Mufti Maulana Abdul Batin told media that the Muslims should ensure that there was no division of votes and the communal forces are defeated.

Batin, an influential leader, also said that Kejriwal appeared in better position to challenge Mr Modi. He, however, refused to directly endorse any of the candidates. (Reports He Will Support Third Front are Wrong, Says Arvind Kejriwal)

When asked about such "appeals" by religious leaders, Special Election Observer Praveen Kumar said, "The issue needs to be examined and we will look into the statements".