Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has sacked Excise Minister Jamshed Ashraf, who had accused him of covering up a multi-crore scam in his department.
Imarat-e-Sharia, a Patna based Muslim organization, has denied that it issued any fatwa against Bihar's Excise Minister Jamshed Ashraf for being in charge of a department that deals with liquor and wine. Leading Islamic seminary Darul Uloom, Deoband has reportedly upheld a fatwa against Ashraf by Imaret-e-Sharia. Ashraf told rediff.com that he will continue as the state's Excise Minister. "I will not change my ministry over a baseless controversy."
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's political opponents are trying to tarnish his reputation by highlighting the circumstances that led to the sacking of his Excise Minister Jamshed Ashraf in February.
Darul Uloom, Deoband, has upheld a 'fatwa' against Ashraf by a Patna-based Shariat committee, which asked the minister to relinquish his post. Soon after Ashraf was assigned the registration and excise department by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on April 13, 'Imarat-e-Sharia' in Patna had asked Ashraf not to hold the ministry, which dealt with something that was haram (prohibited) in Islam.
Contrary to that the BJP would give tickets to more Muslim candidates to contest the upcoming Bihar assembly polls, the saffron party has fielded only two Muslim candidates.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar is facing a challenge from within her party, with Pakistan People's Party leader and parliamentarian Jamshed Dasti saying he will contest the next general election from her constituency in Punjab.
The International Cricket Council released the provisional squads of the 12 teams for next year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand on Friday. However, co-hosts Australia and minnows Ireland decided against releasing the provisional list although they submitted 30 names to the parent body within the stipulated deadline.
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