COMMUNITYIN FLUX

Why Muslims no longer want to be taken for granted

“Muslims feel a sense of bewilderment about who to vote for because they feel

their vote doesn’t matter.”

ARSHI KHAN Associate professor, Aligarh Muslim University, Uttar Pradesh “When Mayawati comes to power, she neglects us. When Mulayam rules the state, there are riots.” SAMIULLAH KHAN Madrasa administrator, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh

“Unfortunately some Muslim clerics are teaching communalism rather than the true

meaning of Islam.” KALBE SADIQ Vice-president, All-India Muslim

Personal Law Board, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh “Once every girl’s hostel had turned me down because I’m Muslim. It’s a reality I have learned to live with.”

CHAMELI SARKAR Doctor, Domkal, West Bengal

“Though things are not so bad, the opportunities for Muslim women in the

social structure are limited.”

MARJINA AKHTAR Homemaker, Saniadi, Assam Muslims, too, have benefitted from Modi’s development work. But he has to do more to win our confidence.”

ASHFAQUE KURKUR Student, Godhra, Gujarat “If you behave like a victim, you will be treated like one.” AYESHA IFTEQAR Student, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh “Modi and BJP may be more moderate than they are in Opposition. So let’s try them out too.” ABDULLA BAKHAVI Imam, Makhdoom Masjid, Mallapuram, Kerala