Patna,(BiharTimes): In another major blow to the Janata Dal (United) its candidate from Kishanganj parliamentary seat, Akhtar-ul-Iman, on Tuesday announced his withdrawal from contest in the larger interest of “aman, prem aur bhaichargi.” (Peace, amity and brotherhood.)

Making this announcement in the media he termed this move as ‘qurbani’ (sacrifice) for the Hindu-Muslim unity in Kishanganj.

Three weeks back the Janata Dal (United)’s candidate from Seohar, Sabir Ali, publicly praised BJP’s prime ministerial pick, Narendra Modi. He was immediately expelled from the party for life.

As the last date of filing the nomination papers had not expired the party subsequently named Shahid Ali Khan, who is a minister in the Nitish cabinet, as its candidate.

However, Akhtar-ul-Iman did not bat for the BJP, but said that he had done so for the larger interest of the secular forces.

Political observers are of the view that the truth is that Akhtar-ul-Iman took this decision because he smelt defeat in the election. Since he had resigned from the RJD and has given up his Kocha Dhaman seat in Kishanganj and joined the Janata Dal (United) he has been left with little option.

Akhtarul Iman, Tuesday said he won't contest the Lok Sabha election so as not to divide the anti-BJP votes.
"I have decided not to contest the polls to minimize the chances of a split in secular votes and to ensure the defeat of the BJP in Kishanganj," Akhtarul said.

Akhtarul, known for his vocal advocacy of secularism, told the media that his presence in the election fray would divide Muslim votes and thus help the Bharatiya Janata Party's Dilip Jayswal.

"I have decided to sacrifice (myself). Now Muslims will vote in favour of the Congress candidate and outgoing MP Ashraraul Haque," he said.

He said the BJP was seeking to divide Muslim votes to ensure a consolidation of Hindu votes in favour of its candidate in the April 24 ballot.

The Congress candidate is also supported by the RJD of Lalu Prasad.

Like Sabir Ali Akhtar-ul-Iman has landed in no-man’s land of politics.