... The base of Imams is shrinking and the Muslim masses are increasingly becoming politically conscious. The Imams have no business guiding the Muslims in voting pattern. The messages from the pulpit have lesser relevance. Imams have been largely marginalised. The voter is making his own decision and it not influenced by fatwa or decree. People are cynical of the wisdom or validity of such decrees. The Imams have exceeded their brief and jurisdiction. People see through changes in attitudes and preferences on the eve of elections.

In the past ... what used to happen was that the religious leaders used to sense the common mood and give their diktat in adherence to that. What Imams said used to conform to popular feelings. In a sense Imams became the mouthpiece of social current. They are shrewd judges of political pulse. ..

Political leaders ... made a political assessment. And realised that Imam's political base is shrinking. Their clientele is limited ...