BJP vigil on Muslim candidates

The Bhartiya Janata Party, which has fielded six Muslim candidates in the ongoing panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh, is now closely monitoring their progress in view of the changing political scene in the state.

“We are closely watching the campaign of these six Muslim candidates, especially in view of the strong anti- Muslim image that has been thrust upon us after the Dadri incident. We are trying to dispel notions in the constituency and the performance of these Muslim candidates will also determine our strategy for the assembly elections

‘ We are trying to dispel notions in the constituency, and the performance of these Muslim candidates will also determine our strategy for the Assembly elections in 2017,’ said a party source

in 2017,” said a party source.

The BJP has put up six Muslim candidates in the Muslim dominated areas.

The Muslims, who are contesting the upcoming panchayat polls on the BJP ticket, include Salahuddin Saifi from Ghaziabad, Sadiqa Chaudhary from Saharanpur, Bashir Ahmed from Rampur, Monu Warsi from Barabanki, Kasim Rizvi and Mohammad Zafar Ahmed from Siddhartha Nagar.

Bashir Ahmed, who is contesting a seat in Rampur, said, “My candidature as a BJP nominee has given a message to the Muslim community that BJP gives due regard to dedicated and loyal workers, no matter what community or religion they belong to. I am putting forward the same argument before the people. As for the Dadri incident, Muslims are aware that the ruling party did not lift a finger to avert the situation.”

Salahuddin Saifi, who is contesting the panchayat elections form Ghaziabad, said the Muslim community was clearly showing a shift in their strategy. “The community is weary of political parties who use Muslims as vote bank and then disappear after elections. Muslims are now willing to test the BJP and give it a chance,” he said.

He said the shift in the mood was palpable because when he had joined the party ten years ago, he had to avoid meeting top party leaders in public because there was a quiet anger in his community.

“Now I meet and mingle with my leaders and sometimes, my community members ask me if they can also meet the leaders.”