Muslims vote in large numbers
LUCKNOW: Muslims voted in large numbers in Old City areas of Tooriaganj, Aishbagh, Nakkhas, Victoria Street, Chaupatian, Nadan Mahal Road, Rakabganj, Moulviganj, Mashakganj, and Chowk. However, in some areas some names were missing from the voters lists.
Election experts said that owing to low turnout of voters (37.57%), if the Muslims voted tactically along with dalits, they could leave an impact this time.
For the first time, the Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded four Muslims in municipal elections. The ruling party was expecting some support from Muslim localities and Muslim women as it has vocally taken up triple talaq issue and was set to make a law declaring it illegal, said BJP mayoral candidate Sunyukta Bhatia.
Maulana Yasoob Abbas said,“If the Muslims have come out in good numbers then it’s good for democracy. However, Muslims never vote tactically as they go for the best candidate in their area.”
Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali said,” It is wrong to say that Muslims vote in a chunk or they vote tactically. They are normal voters and opt for the best
candidate.” Qamar Khan a Urdu teacher and resident of Nakkhas said, “The voting picked up late in the afternoon. Not only Muslims but dalits also came out in good numbers to vote. ”
Durgesh Valmiki, leader of sanitation workers said, “We have motivated the dalits to vote as every vote empowers them. They are free to give their vote to anyone whom they think fit for representing them.”
Shyam Lal Valmiki said, “It’s good to see dalits getting importance in local polls.”