HOLDING SWAY IN THE MUSLIM BELT

In 73 constituencies, they form over 30% of the electorate. In the 2012 elections, out those 73 seats, SP won 35 seats; BJP 17; BSP 13; Congress+ RLD bagged 6 seats; and small Muslim parties won 2 seats.

In 70 seats, Muslims are between 20% and 30% of the vote. In 2012, SP won 37; BSP won 13; BJP 9; Congress+ RLD won 8; and Muslim parties won 3 seats.

A recent EPW article suggests Muslims vote on same issues as other castes; fluctuate in their loyalties; and are as likely to be influenced by others as people from other castes.

PRASHANT JHA / HT A group of Muslim labourers in Aligarh’s labour mandi, opposite Jama Masjid, are furious about demonetisation.