Listen to conscience before casting vote, Shahi Imam tells Muslims

Kuldip Bhatia

Ludhiana, February 18

As campaigning for the Assembly elections came to an end today, the Shahi Imam of Punjab, Mohammed Usman Rehmani, exhorted members of the Muslim community to use their votes judiciously and listen to the voice of their conscious before choosing a candidate.

Offering prayers (Jumme ki Namaz) at Jama Masjid here, Rehmani asserted that selling one’s vote or casting vote against some kind of allurement was a ‘sin’. Those indulging in such malpractice would have to suffer, said Rehmani.

“Choice of the wrong or right candidate is must because a community, society, state and the nation could only flourish under a good government,” Rehmani added.

Citing verses from holy Quran, Rehmani said, “The elections decide the fate of the people and the state. It would be a crime against humanity and the state if crook or undeserving candidates are elected to office due to lack of awareness or greed on the part of voters.” “Don’t give the caste, community, religion or region any consideration in choosing your lawmakers lest you should repent and face consequences,” Rehmani told the congregation.

The Shahi Imam also lambasted candidates and political parties for making false promises, offering freebies or giving other allurements to voters to woo them.

“This is simply dishonesty and unlawful as per provisions of the laws governing the elections to state Assemblies and the parliament. Not only political leaders undermine the process of elections by such tactics, but they also insult wisdom and consciousness of voters,” Rehmani added.

Rehmani urged voters to cast their votes in favour of such candidates, who make solemn promise of providing better facilities in education and health sector, create more employment opportunities and were committed to giving level playing ground to people irrespective of their cast, creed, religion or region.

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