The proposed Muslim front seems to be a case of ‘‘too many leaders for too few followers’’. The Front, aimed at ‘‘empowering the minority in a country where the so-called secular parties have failed them’’, seems a divided house even before its launch.

The front has leaders aplenty — Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari, Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawwad, UP Minority Affairs Minister Haji Muhhamad Yaqoob Qureishi — who have all called upon Muslims to bury differences and unite for ‘‘upliftment of the community’’. But, ironically the leaders themselves are a divided lot.

Asked why no top Muslim leader turned up for his meeting, Qureishi said he considered himself bigger than any other leader. Imam Bukhari on the other hand has criticised Maulana Jawwad saying he rushed the launch of the Front just to become its leader. He even blamed the Shia cleric of ‘‘working at the behest of those who have nothing to do with development of Muslims’’.

Abandoning the idea of a Muslim front, the Imam now seems to be eying a new Muslim-led mainstream party with representation from minorities, Dalits and other weaker sections.

Recently, Bukhari held discussions with a group of ‘‘influential leaders’’ at the Jama Masjid. Bukhari is also banking on the support of Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF) founder Badruddin Ajmal, who is expected to be in New Delhi this week.

‘‘This is a historic moment. It would be the first time Muslims are leading a front with the support of all sections. But, I cannot discuss who all I am talking to or what we are discussing,’’ Bukhari told The Indian Express.

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