In Patna, ‘many young Muslims like Modi’s idea of progress’

Tanveer’s area is part of Digha assembly seat of urban Patna. The JD(U) holds the seat but its sitting MLA, Poonam Devi, has since turned rebel. The current JD(U) candidate is facing tough competition from the BJP’s Sanjeev Chaurasia, son of veteran party leader Ganga Prasad.

Tanveer watched vehicles of various parties crossing the widened stretch of the road, which took five years to complete. This stretch is one of the major highlights of the Nitish Kumar regime. The area also has a 2.72-km elevated flyover from Rukanpura to Golf Club, the latest mega project rushed through for completion by the government.

“Whichever party or combination ensures development should win,” Tanveer said. “My shop can be a great example of secularism. It is politicians who try to vitiate the atmosphere during every election.”

Having worked for 11 years in this photo-framing business, Tanveer easily identifies various Hindu deities. “Hardly five per cent of these framed photos would relate to my religion,” he said.

A man entered the shop. Like Tanveer, he too is a Mulsim. “Smaller parties will ensure the BJP loses. Aise mahoul mein BJP ka jitna thik nahi hoga (it is better the BJP doesn’t win under the prvailing circumstances),” he said.

Tanveer smiled vaguely. Not wishing to be drawn into a debate, he allowed the discussion to drift towards the JD(U) not campaigning as frequently and intensely as the BJP.

The shop next to Tanveer’s deals in bicycle parts. Its owner, Chhotu Khan, sought to dispel a notion. “It has become a trend to say Muslims don’t vote for BJP. But I know several young Muslims who like Narendra Modi’s idea of development,” said Chhotu, who earns Rs 400-Rs 500 daily and maintains a family of 10. “Nitish has done a lot in the last 10 years but the memory of Lalu Prasad’s 15 years remains. The idea of Nitish going with Lalu is absurd.”

A few kilometres from Ashiana Nagar, Rajiv Nagar residents call it a tough fight in Patna, whose seats are known as strongholds of the BJP. It had won Bankipore, Kumhrar and Patna Sahib in 2010, while the JD(U) won Digha as the BJP’s then ally. “Civic amenities are still a problem in Patna,” Ashutosh Kumar said. “There is no master plan in place. Filth lies all around the capital. There has been no town planning and most residents depend on shared autorickshaws. Nitish has done good work but 10 years should have been enough to address these basic issues.”

Kashi Thakur, who works in a barbershop on Jagdeo Path, said the choice is indeed tough. “The way the election is being fought with each targeting the other personally, voters will have to use their brains,” he said. “As for workers like me, we want peace and a government that ensures good business and better infrastructure.”

The discussion took a turn towards the importance of Jitan Ram Manjhi. A customer pitched in. “Manjhi will not have any impact on this election, nor will he cut into Nitish’s votes. Pulling crowds does not make him a leader.”

Patna’s seats go to poll on October 28.