By inviting the Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and striking off the Indian Prime Mister Narendra Modi from the invitees list on his son’s anointment ceremony, the imam of Delhi’s Jamia Masjid has created an unnecessary controversy. I am of the opinion that he has also lost a historical opportunity to bring the top leadership of the India and Pakistan together. It’s obvious that Nawaz Sharif will not attend Bukhari’s son’s anointment as would not like to stir another contentious issue. Sonia Gandhi has already declined the invitation; apparently recording a point on exclusion of the country’s prime minster from the guests list.
So what Bukhari got after stroking the issue: nothing, rather say he has further inflamed the tension between the religious communities. If he would have called Modi to the ceremony, there was a possibility to thaw the cold relationship not only between communities but also between Pakistan and India. In case of refusal from Modi to attend, things would have been crystal clear who is not ready to accommodate. Nevertheless now all the blame shifted towards Bukhari, but he should also be held accountable for the main issue – further souring the already bitter relationships between Hindus and Muslims.
It’s true that a scholar can’t be a leader until he is gifted with vision.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia