Shia Muslim body to oppose Congress in next UP polls

Lucknow: The All-India Shia Personal Law Board has decided to oppose the Congress in the forthcoming assembly elections, causing a severe jolt to the party which was seeking Muslim support to improve its electoral prospect.

The Board in an annual meeting here on Thursday also refused to accept Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s invitation to join its road show here on Friday.

"What has the party done for the Shia community in the past excepting providing lip service. We wonder why has he invited us to participate in its programme", a spokesman told media persons.

It has also urged the Supreme Court to include the Board in the list of parties whose opinion will be considered by it on triple talaq issue. The Court has issued s notice the All-India Sunni Personal Law Board on the issue but not to the Shia Board.

The spokesman claimed that the Muslim personal law regarding talaq has been misinterpreted by all sections of the people. “ It is not gender biased as is being interpreted. The law has given an equal right to both male and female in case of talaq”.

The Board condemned killing of army personnel in Uri and favoured a retaliatory action by the country. "This terror act is highly condemnable" , the spokesman added.

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