SP slips on its ad, Shias demand apology

LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party''s publicity tactic has angered Shias who are asking for an apology for an advertisement meant to get their votes.
A party advertisement in the local Urdu dailies states: "How can the members of the minority community, who still cherish the 1,400-year-old Karbala tragedy in their mind, forget the sacrifices made by chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav?"
"It is not right to compare a political leader with someone who commands religious respect," says Maulana Kalbe Jawwad.
"It has deeply hurt our sentiments. Many people from various Shia Anjumans came to me with the clipping of that advertisement and I, too, felt it was insensitive."
The clerics are now demanding an apology from the party.
"They (Samajwadis) must not make it a prestige issue and stand by the advertisement," says the Maulana.
Maulana Agha Roohi gives the SP leaders the benefit of doubt, while agreeing the ad was a mistake.
"I don''t think the advertisement is the responsibility of Mulayam Singh Yadav, Amar Singh or Amitabh Bachchan. They may not understand the sensitivity of the subject. The publicity department of the party must take care of such issues."
Agha Roohi, a BJP supporter, believes religious matters must not be politicised.
"The advertisement has hurt the sentiments of both Shia and Sunni Muslims. To compare the sacrifice of a religious leader to a political leader is incorrect," he said.
He, too, believes that the SP should sent an apology letter.