Khan, who was attending the State BJP's Minority Morcha convention at the Akota Atithi Gruh, told reporters that he would take up similar incidents across the country with the party leadership. The auto-rickshaws were sought boycotted following incidents of marriages and elopements of Muslim youths and Hindu girls.

Defending the BJP, he said these were occasional incidents which should not be politicised. The party was committed to protecting the minority, he claimed, adding that Hindus and Muslims should be brought on the same problem to avoid confrontations.

Later, addressing around 1,000 Muslim workers from Surat, Bharuch, Ahmedabad, Panchmahals and other parts of the State, Khan called upon them to educate their children.

Alleging that the Congress had only misguided the Muslim community and used them as a votebank in the 50 years of Independence, Khan said they should beware of such parties and leaders like Laloo Prasad Yadav, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Mayawati and Kanshi Ram.

He announced that the Gujarat Madresas would be soon computerised.

In his address, national general secretary of the Morcha Tanvir Ahmed sought the support of the masses to allow the BJP governments in the Centre and the State to accomplish their tasks of administration the people free from ``fear, hunger and corruption''.

State party vice-president Nalin Bhatt highlighted the role of the Muslims, specifically mentioning Abul Kalam Azad, the man behind the Pokhran nuclear tests. ``Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had full faith in him; Azad was a member of the team privy to the secret'', he said.

Maintaining that the BJP acted on merit, Bhatt cited the example of underworld don Abdul Latif, who was gunned down in an encounter during the BJP rule.

The party leaders, including BJP chief whip in the State Assembly Bharat Barot, lauded State Minority Morcha president Ganibhai Qureshi's role in party politics for the past 25-odd years.

Three resolutions were unanimously adopted at the end of the convention. While the first resolution lauded the role of the BJP, the Muslims and the VHP in the cyclone relief operations, the second asked them to remain united for the country's development. The third resolution lauded Qureshi's inclusion in the State party's executive committee.

Among those who attended the meeting were Minister Gabhaji Thakore, city unit president Bhupendra Lakhawala, Deputy Mayor Ram Manohar Tiwari and party councillors.