MUMBAI: As a gesture of appreciation, some Muslim groups jointly feted chief minister

with Aman Ka Maseeha (

of

Peace

) Award during

party at Haj House on Wednesday. Muslim leaders said the state has been largely free from communal riots in the last three years and the chief minister deserves appreciation.

The award was given by Mufti Mohammad Manzoor Ziayee of Dar-ul-Uloom Faizan-e-Raza, Goregaon, while many other groups endorsed it. Mufti Ziyaee has tied up with Mahim Dargah to fight online propaganda of the terrorist outfit Islamic State (IS). “I am glad Muslim individuals and groups which are not associated with BJP are acknowledging the government’s role in preventing communal clashes,” said BJP city vice-president Hyder Azam. Azam admitted that some hardliners among Hindutva forces do try to create anxiety among minorities with their actions but the government is not biased against anyone. “Sabka saath sabka vikas is not mere a slogan. It is our guiding principle and the fringe elements will not be allowed to hijack government’s development agenda,” Azam said.

Fadnavis said that maintaining peace was top priority of his government “We need everyone’s participation in the state’s prosperity,” he added.