Varanasi: Muslims turned out in large numbers as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow passed through their localities in Varanasi but the goodwill gesture may not translate into votes for BJP candidates in his parliamentary seat.
Muslims, comprising 20 percent of total voters, appear to be solidly behind the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance here, virtually ruling out any serious split in their ranks on March 8, when the city goes to the polls.
If some Muslims give credit to the prime minister for launching developmental schemes aimed at Varanasi and increased cleanliness, there is also lot of resentment in the community over demonetisation, which has especially hit hard the weaving community, comprising mostly Muslims. Abdul Rauf, a noted handloom dealer, is disappointed over Modi's handling of weavers' concerns but says he continues to have hope in him.
Comments
0 comment