SWABI, Jan 26: Differences developed between the NWFP education minister and his party MNA over the district president post of the JUI (F), insiders said on Friday. Both Education Minister Maulana Fazal Ali and MNA Maulana Khalil Ahmad enjoy support of their respective groups in the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F).

Mr Ahmad accused the education minister of occupying the district presidentship through unconstitutional means. In a meeting held on Wednesday, Mr Ahmad’s supporters vowed to work against what they called illegal representation.

Maulana Khalil Ahmad was former district president of the JUI (F). But three month back when Maulana Fazal was elected as party district chief, Mr Ahmad and his supporters had boycotted the election and termed it unconstitutional. Former provincial JUI (F) general-secretary Najeem Khan backed Mr Ahmad.

Mr Ahmad alleged that during the registration process, the names of dead party workers as well as supporters of the Awami National Party and the PPP were also included in the voter list.

"We brought this illegal practice to the notice of the central and provincial leadership," he added.

Sources said the party’s provincial leaders had tried in vain to resolve these differences.

Mr Ahmad rejected the education minister and his supporters’ claims that he had failed to work for the welfare of the people. “There is no place for Mr Ahmad in the party as he is involved in harming the party interests in the district,” Mr Fazal’s supporters said.